C4 rethinks commissioning set-up

Channel 4 in the UK is merging its entertainment and factual entertainment commissioning teams, with role changes for several senior executives.

Promoted: Liam
Humphreys

The combined department will be led by head of factual entertainment Liam Humphreys, while current head of entertainment Justin Gorman is leaving next month after five years with the terrestrial broadcaster.

A new head of entertainment will be recruited, reporting to Humphreys, who will also lead a commissioning editor for entertainment and an editor for entertainment, who are yet to be appointed.

Further new roles will be created in live events including a commissioning editor, reporting to the head of sport and TV events Ed Havard.

Gorman joined C4 at the start of 2010, replacing Andrew Newman. He’d previously been with All3Media-owned Objective Productions and his C4 slate includes Million Pound Drop and comedy chat show The Last Leg.

Leaving: Justin
Gorman

The channel said in a statement today that the move reflected an increase in cross-genre commissioning and the success of Humphrey’s team, which has greenlit new formats The Jump and The Island with Bear Grylls recently.

Jay Hunt, chief creative officer, said: “From The Island to The Jump, some of our most successful entertainment shows have come from the factual entertainment team. It makes sense to consolidate what we do under Liam’s leadership.”