Darren Childs is to step down as CEO of UKTV, a move that could signal the BBC taking control of Britain’s biggest multichannel broadcaster.
Childs will remain with UKTV – the company behind brands Dave, Drama and Really – until July 1. UKTV says it will “explore new leadership options for the next phase of UKTV’s growth”.
He has been linked with a commercial role at Premiership Rugby as the organisation looks to increase the financial power of the Premiership rugby clubs.
Said Childs: “It’s been the greatest honour to work with this fantastically talented group of people, I’m incredibly proud of what this team has created, and the successes they’ve built: growing audiences, working with our producer partners to create a collection of award-winning programmes; and making bold entertainment brands that stand out from the crowd.”
https://twitter.com/DarrenMChilds/status/1093453037866311681
During his eight years with UKTV, Childs has seen its commercial share of viewing rise by 42%, while revenues have increased by 66%, and profits tripled.
While still drawing on the BBC archive, past and present, UKTV has also made a mark through its UKTV Originals series including Taskmaster, Dynamo: Magician Impossible and large scale live events including Monty Python Live: One Down Five To Go and David Haye Boxing.
Tim Davie, CEO, BBC Studios said Childs left the broadcaster in “extremely good health”.
Next week the BBC board is expected to give the go ahead to increasing its stake in UKTV, which is currently operated as a joint venture with Discovery, though a complete buyout seems unlikely.
