Joining the BBC in 1989, Mr Backhurst started out as an assistant producer in the business and economics unit. He went on to become producer of the BBC Nine O'Clock News, assistant editor of the Ten O'Clock News and then editor of News 24.
In his current role he received a Bafta for the coverage of the Madrid bombing as well as an RTS award for news programme of the year.
Helen Boaden, director of BBC News commented: "The head of News 24 is a key creative and strategic role for BBC News and I'm delighted that Kevin is the channel's first controller."
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