Channel 4 Promotes Brooke To Head Digital Operation

Channel 4 has promoted Dan Brooke, the general manager of E4, to head up all of its digital TV, interactive and online activities.

Brooke will become managing director of the broadcaster’s 4 Channels division, which includes E4, FilmFour, Channel4.com and its interactive platform, 4 Active.

4 Channels is part of the 4 Ventures division formed last October to replace the former Digital Services Division, which was previously overseen by managing director Gerry Bastable, with Brooke as his deputy.

Bastable, who was promoted during last October’s restructure to a newly created role as head of corporate development for Channel 4 (see Channel 4 Announces Most Radical Restructure In 20 Years), has announced his intention to leave the channel next month. He will continue to work as a consultant for Channel 4 in the short-term, but will step down to start up his own business.

Commenting on the appointment, Woodward said: “Dan’s strong management track record, both creatively and commercially, makes him the natural choice to manage our digital channels business.”

He added: “Gerry’s strategic management skills and knowledge of the digital TV marketplace have been invaluable in developing a coherent digital strategy for Channel 4 and we wish him every success in whatever he decides to do.”

Channel 4’s restructure last year, which was the most radical in its 20-year history, included proposals for up to 200 job losses designed to deliver major savings that can be poured back into the channel’s programming budget. 45 jobs were also cut from the channel’s commercial arm, 4 Ventures (see Channel 4 Cuts 45 Jobs From Commercial Arm).

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com

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