Channel 4 Loses Head Of Entertainment Following Shake-Up
Danielle Lux, Channel 4’s head of entertainment group and controller of E4, is stepping down following a change in the broadcaster’s entertainment commissioning structure.
The shake-up comes as Kevin Lygo prepares to join the channel as director of television next month. He will resume direct management control of all the commissioning teams that currently report to Lux, including E4, T4, music, comedy and entertainment (see Lygo Set To Return To Channel 4).
Lux, who leaves the channel with immediate effect, has been responsible for signing exclusive contracts with a number of key names including Graham Norton. She has also overseen a string of critical and ratings successes, including Bo Selecta and Derren Brown’s Mind Control.
Commenting on her departure, Lux said: “I have loved my time at Channel 4 and the chance to work with a range of talented performers and writers and to commission so many shows I am proud of. I know the terrific year of comedy and entertainment I have commissioned for 2004 will be in the safe hands of a very talented team. Given his track record, it’s no surprise that Kevin wants to take direct charge of Channel 4’s entertainment and I wish him well.”
Channel 4’s chief executive, Mark Thompson, added: “Danielle has had a great impact on Channel 4’s comedy and entertainment, bringing a range of talented new stars to the screen. Her contribution was recognised at Montreux this year when the channel won five awards, a record number for any broadcaster. She has been a valued member of the commissioning team and we are sorry the change in the commissioning structure has triggered this move.”
Channel 4 recently axed its long suffering breakfast show RI:SE after an tumultuous twenty months on air. The Big Breakfast replacement, which launched less than two years ago to a mixed reception, will be screened for the last time on 19 December, four months before its current contract was due to expire (see Lights Out For RI:SE As It Fails To Shine For Channel 4).
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com
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