Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz is to step down this autumn, bringing to an end a near nine-year tenure that has reshaped the broadcaster’s creative and digital strategy.
Katz, the longest-serving content chief in Channel 4’s history, will remain in post until October, overseeing commissioning and delivery of the 2026 programme slate before departing.
His exit comes at a time when Channel 4 is accelerating its transition from a traditional linear broadcaster to a streaming-led business, with half of all viewing now taking place on digital platforms and 60% of under-34 viewing now via streaming.
During his tenure, Katz has been central to Channel 4’s evolution into a digital-first public service streamer, including the launch of its YouTube strategy and Channel 4.0, which now has more than 1.2 million subscribers.
Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra said Katz had led “an era of creative renewal”, delivering distinctive public service programming alongside strong commercial performance.
Katz oversaw a mix of high-impact factual programming, scripted drama and entertainment formats, with recent titles including Dirty Business, A Woman of Substance and Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, while strengthening flagship brands such as The Great British Bake Off, Gogglebox and Taskmaster.
His tenure also reinforced Channel 4’s reputation for hard-hitting factual output, alongside a continued focus on new talent and diversity initiatives including the Black to Front project and expanded Nations and Regions commissioning.
Katz said it had been “a privilege” to lead the broadcaster through a period of transformation, highlighting its shift into streaming and commitment to distinctive programming.
A successor has yet to be announced.
