Liddiment Quits ITV Director Of Channels Role

After braving ratings nightmares and the advertising downturn, David Liddiment has announced today that he is to step down from his role as ITV’s director of channels.

Liddiment, who will leave towards the end of this year, once a successor has been found, said: “”Its well known that I have loved this job more than any other in my career. It’s the job I always wanted and I have enjoyed it immensely. To give it up has been has been an extremely difficult decision, but after five years I feel that it is time to hand over the reins and move on.”

He continued: “Despite the financial and competitive challenges we have faced most recently, there is a terrific spirit alive in ITV that I know will see it thrive in the future. I can now look forward to getting my life back and escaping the tyranny of the overnight ratings!”

TV viewing figures for May this year revealed that for the first time, ITV1 was beaten in the monthly peak-time ratings by BBC1 (see ITV Beaten For First Time In Monthly Ratings By BBC1). During June’s World Cup, the BBC outshone ITV when the channels showed matches simultaneously (see BBC Scores Against ITV In World Cup Coverage).

Clive Jones, ITV’s Joint managing director said: “I’ve known David for many years and he is without doubt one of the finest programme directors of his generation. It’s a mark of his commitment to ITV that he is managing his departure so carefully and we thank him for that. His contribution to the channel and its programmes over a long ITV career has been immeasurable and he will be an extremely hard act to follow.”

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.co.uk

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