Ian Katz, Channel 4’s chief content officer for nearly nine years, will step down in October this year.
Katz, responsible for successful shows It’s a sin, big boys, and We are lady partsis the longest serving Head of Content in Channel 4’s history. He began his work in journalism and was deputy editor at The Guardian Until 2013, before becoming an editor at the BBC News night.
During his time at Channel 4, he oversaw a period of “significant creative and commercial success”, according to the channel, and played a key role in its transition from linear broadcaster to broadcaster.
His list includes the latest Virgin Island, Dirty business, A woman of substance, Handcuffed: Finally
Husband standing, Secret genius and Piano. Audience favorites also flourished, e.g Task manager – Which Katz brought to the channel – googlebox and Great British Bread. Recruiting Nigella Lawson in the latter was Katz’s doing.
Under his reign, Channel 4 produced documentaries and current events films, including Jade: The reality star who changed Britain, Go back to where you came from, Russell Brand: In plain sight, To catch copper, Jury: Murder Trial, Payment, Gaza: Doctors under attackand Killing zone: inside Gaza. Katz was also the mastermind of the channel’s loud and successful UK election coverage in partnership with Gary Lineker The rest is politics Podcast.
Other notable scripted series under Katz’s direction are Brexit: The Uncivil WarJack Thorne Helpsand Mitchell and Webb are no help. He leaves with Jack Thorne dropSteven Moffat No. 10Daisy Haggard maya, and Russell T Davies Toe tip Still in the future.
“It has been a privilege beyond words to lead Channel 4’s talented and passionate commissioning team during this transformative period,” Katz said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, from leading the evolution of commercial public broadcasters into the digital broadcasting business, to supporting pioneering programs and talent that bring a little joy to audiences’ lives. Above all, I’m proud that Channel 4 has continued to be as disruptive and irreverent as ever, asking questions and covering stories that other broadcasters and streamers wouldn’t. The channel’s 2026 line-up is stronger than ever, and I look forward to watching its continued success under Priya’s leadership.”
Priya Dogra, Channel 4’s chief executive, added that Katz was an “outstanding creative leader for Channel 4”. She continued: “He has overseen an era of creative renewal, delivering bold and distinctive public service programming with intellectual rigor, good humor and an unmistakable Channel 4 flash in the eye. We will miss him greatly, but I am delighted that he will stay with us for a few months yet, to continue to lead our creative output, tasked with making decisions and delivering the 2026 World Cup.”
list.”
Katz will remain in his position until October, and will continue to commission and oversee the delivery of the 2026 roster.
