Ian Katz stepping down as Channel 4 content chief after almost nine years
Ian Katz, chief content officer at the UK’s Channel 4, will leave the public broadcaster later this year after almost nine years in the role.
Katz joined C4 in 2017 to replace Jay Hunt and was a somewhat leftfield choice having previously been editor of BBC Two’s Newsnight and deputy editor of The Guardian.
He is now stepping down after nine years leading the broadcaster’s content strategy – the longest period anybody has served as content chief in the history of the channel.
Katz will remain in post until October, continuing to commission and oversee the delivery of the 2026 slate.
The news follows the arrival of industry veteran Priya Dogra from Sky as C4’s new CEO, replacing the similarly long-serving Alex Mahon.
Dogra 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.”
Katz added: “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.”
Announcing his departure this morning, C4 was keen to talk up Katz’s impact on the digital side of the business, increasing streaming from 20% to 50% of all its viewing and the launch of Channel 4.0 on YouTube which now has 1.2 million subscribers.
Katz has overseen a slate on the main channel that remains anchored by Hunt commissions and acquisitions like The Great British Bake Off, Gogglebox and First Dates, but has also added Taskmaster and original scripted and unscripted commissions including It’s a Sin, Virgin Island, Dirty Business, A Woman of Substance, Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, Secret Genius and The Piano.
Factual shows during his reign include 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.
Other stand-out scripted hits on his watch include James Graham’s Brexit: The Uncivil War, Jack Thorne’s Bafta-winning Covid drama Help, multi-Bafta-nominated Trespasses and comedies Big Boys, We Are Lady Parts and Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping.
