Channel 4 has announced that Chief Content Officer Ian Katz will step down from his role this Autumn, after almost nine years leading the broadcaster’s content strategy.
Katz is the longest serving content chief in Channel 4’s history.
The announcement follows Priya Dogra’s recent appointment as Channel 4 CEO. Dogra will now be free to appoint her own creative leader for the broadcaster.
During his tenure, Katz has played a central role in driving the channel’s transformation from linear broadcaster to streamer with streaming increased from 20% to 50% of all Channel 4 viewing, with 60% of viewing amongst under 34’s now via streaming.
Critically acclaimed programming commissioned under his watch includes recent hits Virgin Island, Dirty Business, A Woman of Substance, Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, Secret Genius and The Piano. Audience favourites have also thrived, Taskmaster – which Katz brought to the channel – Gogglebox and The Great British Bake Off remained strong, with Katz recently bringing Nigella Lawson back to Channel 4 as a judge on the nation’s favourite baking show.
Factual TV under his tenure includes Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain, Go Back to Where You Came From, Russell Brand: In Plain Sight, To Catch a Copper, The Jury: Murder Trial, The Push, Gaza: Doctors Under Attack and Kill Zone: Inside Gaza. Dramas include It’s a Sin, James Graham’s Brexit: The Uncivil War, Jack Thorne’s BAFTA- winning Covid drama Help, multi-BAFTA nominated Trespasses and hit comedies Big Boys, We Are Lady Parts and Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping.
Priya Dogra, Channel 4 CEO, said: “Ian has been an outstanding creative leader for Channel 4 over nearly nine years – the channel’s longest-serving head of programming. He 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. He will be greatly missed, but I’m delighted that he will remain with us for some months yet, continuing to lead our creative output, commissioning decisions and delivery of the 2026 slate.”
Ian Katz said: “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.”
Katz will remain in post until October, continuing to commission and oversee the delivery of the 2026 slate.
Jon Creamer
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