Channel 4 has announced the appointment of Aaqil Ahmed as its new Multicultural Commissioning Editor. He will still remain the commissioning editor for religion.

The new role has been created as part of Channel 4's promise to reconnect with its mission to give a voice to minorities. The broadcaster is injecting £2m to commission more multicultural programmes in peak time.

Under the brand 'Next on 4 initiatives', Channel 4 will foster greater diversity within its shows and working practices.

Julian Bellamy, Head of Channel 4, said: "Aaqil already has a strong track record in commissioning powerful and provocative films for Channel 4. His new role will enable him to extend his role into 9pm and 10pm, and will encourage new multicultural ideas and talent to find a home at the Channel."

Aaqil Ahmed said: "This is an exciting moment with Channel 4’s renewed commitment to multicultural programming and I’m looking forward to helping to deliver a distinctive take on what modern multicultural programming should be."

Aaqil has been behind the current ongoing season on Islam, which includes the Antony Thomas' documentary 'The Quran'.