Preparing for Ian Katz’s exit later this year, Channel 4 has revealed a new commissioning team structure, reporting directly to CEO Priya Dogra.
Katz is stepping down as chief content officer in November, having been in the role for nine years.
Louisa Compton, currently head of news and current affairs for specialist factual and sport, becomes director of news, digital and audience trust. The remit encompasses news, current affairs, specialist factual, and sport, plus digital-first commissioning.
The broadcaster is currently on the hunt for a director of programs, overseeing commissioning and editorial responsibility for all other programming across scripted and unscripted genres, including documentaries, entertainment, factual entertainment, and lifestyle.
Kiran Nataraja takes on the role of director of content strategy. Currently director of streaming and content strategy, Nataraja will take the lead on how content is commissioned, funded and delivered, and act as the commercial backbone of the content function. Nataraja’s remit includes portfolio planning and acquisitions.
“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,” Dogra said. “With incredibly strong creative leadership and clear accountability across our portfolios, we can back the best ideas with confidence and deliver distinctive programs 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 program—will make sure Channel 4 programming remains as distinctive, as relevant and as rebellious as ever, wherever and however our audiences watch.”
Compton said, “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 U.K. 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.”
Nataraja added, “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.”
