Channel 4 and ITV’s multiplex service Digital 3&4 has appointed Steve Holebrook as its new Managing Director as Greg Bensberg MBE steps down after ten years in the role.
The former Arqiva executive will manage operations for the service, including the recently-signed contracts with Arqiva and BT, which saw Channel 4 and ITV’s Freeview channels move to cloud-based processing.
Steve Holebrook said: “Digital 3&4 is making some huge steps forward for the television industry, and I am thrilled to be taking the helm to continue to drive innovation for the future of broadcasting. I am very much looking forward to developing Digital 3&4’s technical, legal and commercial position as well as collaborating with its excellent partners Arqiva and BT.”
Holebrook previously worked at Arqiva where he held a number of leadership positions. Most recently he oversaw the integration of the terrestrial broadcast and satellite business units in his role of Managing Director of Media Networks. Prior to that he led the Terrestrial Broadcast business unit overseeing the 700MHz Clearance programme and the expansion of the UK’s DAB network.
Greg Bensberg MBE, who has been Managing Director of Digital 3&4 since June 2013, will remain at the company for a handover period before stepping down. Greg also holds positions as Director at Oxford Broadcast Consultants, as a Member of the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board, and the Editorial Board at the Journal of Digital Media & Policy since 2018.
Greg Bensberg MBE said: “I am delighted that Steve Holebrook will take over the leadership of Digital 3&4 from me this May. I have really enjoyed my time leading Digital 3&4 and working with ITV and Channel 4 colleagues and think that it is a very strong position to continue its leading role in the UK broadcasting industry. I have taken the decision to retire from this role after 50 years working in the broadcast industry starting as an apprentice with Marconi’s in Chelmsford in 1973 and spanning work in R&D with Quantel and Thames TV and regulation with the IBA, ITC and Ofcom.”
Digital 3&4 is a joint venture owned by Channel 4 and ITV. It holds their digital terrestrial television multiplex licence, issued by Ofcom under the 1996 Broadcasting Act, and the associated Wireless Telegraphy Licence also issued by Ofcom.
Holebrook will join Digital 3&4 on 1st May 2023.
