Channel 4 has revealed the new leadership team forming its fresh commissioning structure as chief content chief Ian Katz, a key figure behind Channel 4’s push beyond London, is stepping down this autumn.
Reporting to new Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra, there will now be a trio of top decision-makers in the commissioning leadership team as Ian Katz’s replacement will take on a Director of Programmes role in November and sit alongside Louisa Compton, currently Head of News & Current Affairs, who is set to take on the role of Director of News, Digital and Audience Trust.
Kiran Nataraja, currently Channel 4’s Director of Streaming & Content Strategy, will be moving into the post of Director of Streaming and Content Strategy.
READ MORE: Channel 4’s longest-serving content chief to step down after driving regional shift
While the Director of Programmes role is yet to be filled, the new structure will take effect following Katz’s departure after almost nine years leading Channel 4’s content strategy.
As Director of News, Digital and Audience Trust, Louisa Compton will oversee news, current affairs, specialist factual and sport, alongside digital-first commissioning. Kiran Nataraja as Director of Content Strategy will oversee how content is commissioned, funded and delivered, while retaining responsibility for portfolio planning and acquisitions.
The incoming Director of Programmes will become Channel 4’s ‘key creative leader’, shaping the future vision for the channel, and will have full commissioning and editorial responsibility for all other programming across scripted and unscripted genres, including documentaries, factual entertainment and lifestyle.
For producers, Channel 4 said the new model would provide clearer commissioning priorities, faster and more transparent decision-making, and a more integrated route from development through to delivery and performance.
Priya Dogra, Channel 4 CEO, said: “Independent producers are at the heart of Channel 4, and this new model is about giving them greater clarity and building deeper partnerships in how we work together. With incredibly strong creative leadership and clear accountability across our portfolios, we can back the best ideas with confidence and deliver distinctive programmes that cut through. Both Louisa and Kiran are outstanding leaders and well respected for their craft, and I’m confident that they – alongside the Director of Programmes – will make sure Channel 4 programming remains as distinctive, as relevant and as rebellious as ever, wherever and however our audiences watch.”
Louisa Compton added: “Trusted, fact-checked and duly impartial journalism has never mattered more. Channel 4 has a unique role in telling stories others don’t, asking difficult questions and bringing new perspectives to audiences across the UK. This new structure gives us the focus and agility to move faster, back ambitious ideas and create even greater impact across our amazing portfolio of content. I am delighted to be working with the Digital team and to continue to work with the Specialist Factual and Sport teams.”
Kiran Nataraja also commented: “In today’s market, success depends not just on great ideas, but on how effectively you deliver them. This role is about connecting the entire system, so that from commissioning through to performance, we’re backing the right ideas in the right way and giving them the best chance to succeed.”
Ian Katz, Channel 4’s outgoing Chief Content Officer, leaves in November after almost nine years leading the broadcaster’s content strategy and is the longest-serving content chief in Channel 4’s history.
