RTÉ Announces Mark Bignell as new Commissioning Editor for Comedy

RTÉ has announced that Mark Bignell has been appointed Commissioning Editor for Comedy following a public competition. This senior editorial position will drive the development and delivery of RTÉ’s Comedy slate. The Commissioning Editor will work with partners in the Irish creative sector to shape an ambitious and distinctive range of comedy formats, developing new talent as well as working with established writers and performers.

This appointment is in line with RTÉ’s New Direction Strategy and RTÉ’s commitment to increase commissioning from the independent production sector. 

Mark is an award-winning comedy producer with over a decade of experience across scripted comedy and comedy entertainment. He has developed and produced content for the BBC, Channel 4, and RTÉ, with credits including Mrs Brown’s Boys (BBC / RTÉ), Queen of the New Year (BBC Scotland), the RTS-winning How We Forgot to Save the Planet (Channel 4), How Not to Win The Eurovision (BBC Scotland) and is currently producing the new Two Doors Down Christmas special (BBC Studios).

Mark has a strong track record in producing and developing distinctive, high-impact comedy — from pilots to returning series and formats — and supporting both emerging voices and established talent. He has also produced live comedy nights in Glasgow and the Edinburgh Festival.

He is a native of County Down, graduating in Media Studies at the University of Ulster before starting his career as a production trainee in BBC Northern Ireland.

Mark Bignell said: “I’m so thrilled to be joining RTÉ at what feels like a really exciting time for Irish comedy. With so much brilliant talent around – I can’t wait to get to work developing a slate that feels not just bold, diverse, and reflective of modern Ireland… but unashamedly funny!”

Steve Carson, Director of Video said: “I’m delighted that Mark is joining us as Commissioning Editor for Comedy, a really important genre that serves audiences on both TV and the RTÉ Player. He has an impressive track record of developing new creative talent as well as delivering major shows, and our audiences can look forward to him building on a strong RTÉ comedy slate.”

ENDS

Date: 7th July 2025