Keating favourite for BBC2 top job

BBC4 controller Roly Keating is expected to be announced as the new controller of BBC2 today, after a second round of interviews with possible contenders. BBC bosses are said to pleased with Keating's handling of BBC4 that began life with stories of zero ratings but which has won much critical acclaim (if not huge audiences) for a number of series over the last year. Keating is likely to perform well on some of BBC2's key aims in the period preceding BBC charter renewal - more documentaries, more current affairs, more arts, that kind of thing. But he will be faced with the challenge of finding some new ratings winners. Insiders reckon losing the Simpsons to Channel 4 will have a big effect on BBC2's more mainstream audience - and some point out the channel's comedy output is not what it once was.