Channel 4’s longest-serving Chief Content Officer steps down

While in post, Katz will continue to commission and oversee the delivery of the 2026 slate. He will leave the channel with a slate of drama pieces, including Jack Thorne’s Falling, Number 10 from Stephen Moffat, and Daisy Haggard’s Maya, alongside Russell T Davies’ Tip Toe.

Throughout his time at Channel 4, Katz helped drive the channel’s transformation from linear broadcasting to digital video. During his term, streaming increased from 20% to 50% of all Channel 4 viewing, with 60% of viewing amongst under 34’s now via streaming. 

Beyond this, Katz led Channel 4's YouTube original strategy, which included the launch of the award-winning Channel 4.0 – now with over 1.2 million subscribers.

Additionally, Katz has overseen a slate of critically acclaimed programming, with recent hits including Virgin Island, Dirty Business, A Woman of Substance, Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, Secret Genius, and The Piano. He also brought Taskmaster to the channel, supported Gogglebox, and brought Nigella Lawson back to Channel 4 as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.

On his watch, Channel 4 delivered a succession of award-winning documentaries and current affairs films, including: 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. Katz also devised the Channel’s General Election coverage, in partnership with The Rest is Politics. 

In 2021, Katz aired the landmark drama It’s a Sin. Other scripted pieces 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.

Within the organisation, Katz has a reputation for advocating British IP and backing new talent, including Big Narstie, Nicola Coughlan, Mo Gilligan, Joe Lycett, Munya Chawawa, Sophie Morgan, Jamie Demetriou, Jack Rooke, Nida Manzoor, Oobah Butler, and Rosie Jones, whilst maintaining a commitment to programming with social purpose.

In 2021, he championed the Black to Front Project, a day of programming led by Black talent on- and off-screen, commissioned to amplify the conversation around representation and diversity in the TV industry. He was also reportedly pivotal in shaping the out-of-London commissioning team as part of the Channel’s wider Nations & Regions strategy.

Priya Dogra, CEO of Channel 4, stated: “Ian has been an outstanding creative leader for Channel 4 for 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 said: “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 audiences’ 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.” 

Channel 4’s interim Chief Executive Jonathan Allan is to leave the organisation after 15 years. Discover more here.