Peter Bazalgette Pulls Out Of Channel 4 Race

Peter Bazalgette, creative director of Endemol, has joined Dawn Airey in ruling himself out of the running to become Channel 4’s chief executive.

Bazalgette, the creative force behind the commercial success of Big Brother and a non-executive director of Channel 4, was one of the favourites to take over from Michael Jackson (see GEITF Special: Who’s Next At Four?), who has left to take up a new position in the US.

It is thought that Bazalgette is unable to free himself from his five-year contract with Endemol and that Channel 4 are unwilling to buy him out. However, these reports remain unconfirmed.

Bazalgette’s withdrawal comes just twenty-four hours after Channel 5 chief executive, Dawn Airey, also tipped as a favourite for the job, unexpectedly ruled herself out of the running (see Airey Rules Out Top Channel 4 Job). Remaining candidates include Labour peer Lord Waheed Alli, one of the co-founders of Planet 24, BBC director of television, Mark Thompson and former ITV chief executive, Richard Eyre.

Channel 4, which recently cut 30 jobs and reduced its investment in its commercial arm, 4 Ventures, by 50% (see Ad Downturn Claims Jobs At Channel 4), is holding interviews throughout November. A final decision is expected early next month.

Channel 4: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com