Frow returns to C5 as TV chief

Ben Frow will return to the UK’s Channel 5 (C5) as director of programmes, following the departure of Jeff Ford.

Frow, previously the channel’s controller of features and entertainment between 2004 and 2007, recently quit as director of programmes at Irish commercial broadcaster TV3 after five years.

He recently denied any contact with C5 when asked by C21 about returning to the broadcaster but has now confirmed he will re-join from February next year.

Frow will take on the commissioning and acquisitions side of current head of programmes Jeff Ford who is leaving in December.

He will report to the channel’s new chief operating officer Paul Dunthorne who is taking over the operational aspects of Ford’s role having previously been MD at Portland TV, the advertising and adult entertainment arm of C5’s parent Northern & Shell.

Frow said: “The last five years in Ireland have been some of the most rewarding of my career, but I’m ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to re-join Channel 5 was simply too good to resist – we have unfinished business.”

Prior to C4, he was Channel 4’s head of factual entertainment and features for five years helping to develop Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares among others.