BBC names Lydia Mossahebi Head of Digital & Planning

The BBC’s Children’s & Education division has hired former KidsKnowBest editorial director Lydia Mossahebi as head of digital media platforms and planning. “I'm thrilled to be joining the talented team at BBC Children's & Education," said Lydia Mossahebi. "I've always admired their work from afar, and I'm honored to now have a chance to be involved.

Mossahebi, who currenlty serves as Editorial Director for KidsKnowBest, will report to Patricia Hidalgo, the division's Director. Starting 8th September, the executive will be tasked with overseeing all digital media teams that produce websites, games, social media channels, and promotional plans for the pubcaster’s key brands. Her position is intended to create a digital media roadmap to reach more kids and families. 

 Mossahebi replaces former BBC executive editor Rachel Bardill, who previously oversaw the department as acting head but has now returned to her regular duties. Also followin a major executive restructuting efforts on behalf of the company, the focus on digital and social media content is part of Hidalgo’s strategy to make the BBC’s kids content platform agnostic in order to reach kids wherever they’re watching, she previously told Kidscreen. "It's an exciting time to be working in the kids' digital space, and I'm really looking forward to working with the team to build on their success of reaching and engaging this generation of kids with content they love.”

Besides her time at KidsKnowsBest, Mossahebi worked at Beano Studios for more than three years, most recently as head of the editorial for the Beano Digital Network. Previously, Mossahebi was also Head of Editorial at Beano Studios and an online producer at Channel 4.