Ian Katz, Channel 4’s longest-serving chief content officer, is stepping down after almost nine years. Mr. Katz will leave his role in October.
During his tenure, Katz played a key role in Channel 4’s transformation from a linear network to a streaming service. Under his watch, streaming increased from 20% to 50% of Channel 4’s total viewing. He has also overseen an array of acclaimed shows that Katz brought to the station, from popular shows such as “Taskmaster,” “Gogglebox” and “The Great British Bake Off,” to more recent hits such as “The Virgin Islands,” “Dirty Business,” and “Women of Substance.”
Other highlights of Katz’s work at Channel 4 include Russell T. Davies’ ground-breaking drama It’s a Sin, James Graham’s Brexit: The Uncivil War, Jack Thorne’s coronavirus drama Help, and hit comedies Big Boys, We Are Lady Parts and Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping. Channel 4’s upcoming drama slate, led by Katz, includes Davies’ latest TV show Tip Toe, starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey.
Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra said in a statement: “Ian has been Channel 4’s outstanding creative leader for almost nine years and is the channel’s longest-serving head of programming. He has overseen a period of creative renewal, bringing intellectual rigor, great humor and the unmistakable legacy of Channel 4. He has delivered bold and distinctive public service programming with a twinkle in his eye.While we will greatly miss him, I am delighted that he will still be with us for a few more months and continue to lead our creative work.” ”
“It has been an incredible privilege to lead Channel 4’s talented and passionate commissioning team through such a transformational period,” said Katz. “From pioneering the evolution of a private public service broadcaster into a digital streaming business, to supporting groundbreaking programming and talent that bring a little joy to the lives of our viewers, we are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. Above all, Channel I’m proud that 4 continues to be as disruptive and brash as ever, asking and covering questions that other broadcasters and streamers don’t. The channel’s ambitions for 2026 are stronger than ever and we look forward to continued success under Priya’s leadership.”
