Channel 4 has revealed how things will change when Sinead Rocks leaves as Managing Director of Nations and Regions.
It appears that there are no plans at the moment to appoint a direct replacement.
Staff were informed that responsibility for Nations & Regions engagement will move to Glasgow-based Jo Street (Director of Commissioning, Nations & Regions and Head of Lifestyle), alongside her existing remit for commissioning and relations.
Street will be working alongside Kevin Blacoe, the Head of Partnerships and Skills, who will lead the 4Skills team.
“Under Sinead’s leadership, Channel 4 has made significant strides in its commitment to the nations and regions both through its commissioning spend and its presence across the UK. Jo, supported by Kevin, will continue to drive this work forward,” said a Channel 4 spokesperson.
READ MORE – Channel 4’s Sinead Rocks – “It’s hard to know when to leave a job you love”
Rocks was the first and may well be the last Managing Director of Nations and Regions. Appointed in 2019, her main responsibility was the “All 4 the UK” strategy and decentralisation from London.
That wasn’t just moving the national headquarters to Leeds, but expanding spaces in Glasgow, Manchester and Bristol.
Street, meanwhile, was brought in to strengthen relationships with the independent sector outside of London.
Last year, the broadcaster announced a £35m ring fenced content spend for the nations, as it committed to increase its content from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from 9% to 12%.
This is being delivered by Street, who is also Head of Lifestyle.
Rocks is due to leave next week.
