Channel 4 chief content officer Ian Katz is to stand down in October after nine years in the role.
The former Newsnight editor and The Guardian deputy director joined C4 in 2017 and went on to become its longest serving programming chief.
During his tenure, and in collaboration with former chief executive Alex Mahon, Channel 4 shifted its headquarters to Leeds as part of its Nations and Regions strategy, pushed forward on digital-first and streaming, which now accounts for half of all C4 viewing, fought off Conservative calls for privatization, and paved the way for in-house production.
Recently-appointed chief executive Priya Dogra said Katz has “overseen an era of creative renewal, delivering bold and distinctive public service programming with intellectual rigour, good humour and an unmistakably Channel 4 glint in the eye”.
Katz added: “It’s been a privilege beyond words to lead Channel 4’s talented and passionate commissioning team through such a transformative period. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, from pioneering the evolution of a commercial public service broadcaster into a digital streaming business, to backing groundbreaking programmes and talent that have brought a bit of joy to audience’s lives.
Above all, I’m proud that Channel 4 has continued to be as disruptive and impertinent as ever, asking the questions and covering the stories that other broadcasters and streamers won’t. The channel’s 2026 slate is stronger than ever, and I look forward to watching its continued success under Priya’s leadership.”
Programming highlights under Katz’s watch include dramas It’s a Sin, Dirty Business and Trespasses, comedies Big Boys and We Are Lady Parts, formats such as The Piano, Secret Genius and The Jury: Murder Trial, and documentaries such as The Push, Russell Brand: In Plain Sight and Kill Zone: Inside Gaza.
