Channel 4 has scrapped the role on chief content officer and replaced it with three new director positions.
When incumbent Ian Katz leaves the channel in November after nine years in the role, the deputy management tier under chief executive Priya Dogra will consist of a trio of directors whose duties span news, digital and audience trust; programmes; and content strategy.
Louisa Compton steps up from head of news and current affairs, specialist factual and sport to become director of news, digital and audience trust.
The role effectively adds digital-first commissioning to her remit and C4 said the role “cements the place of high-quality journalism at the heart of the channel”.
Kiran Nataraja, currently director of streaming & content strategy, takes on the rebranded director of content strategy position. She will ensure that content is commissioned, funded and delivered with clarity and discipline, while acting as the “commercial backbone” of C4’s content.
C4 is now looking for a director of programmes, who will have full commissioning and editorial responsibility across all other output, including documentaries, entertainment, comedy, drama, factual entertainment and lifestyle.
Dogra said the new model will give independent producers “greater clarity” and “build deeper partnerships in how we work together”.
She added: “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.”
