Airey’s Departure Represents Coup For BSkyB
Dawn Airey, chief executive of Channel Five, has shocked the broadcasting industry by taking up an offer to join BSkyB as managing director of Sky Networks.
It had been widely expected that Airey would join ITV as either chief executive, or as director of channels following the departure of David Liddiment (see Liddiment Quits ITV Director Of Channels Role). However, it has been confirmed that she is joining BSkyB as managing director of Sky Networks and will take on responsibility for overseeing all non-sports content across Sky channels.
Airey’s appointment represents a major coup for BSkyB’s chief executive, Tony Ball, and implies that the satellite broadcaster has big plans for the launch of its new free-to-air digital channel on the BBC’s forthcoming Freeview service (see BBC And BSkyB Name Free-To-Air DTT Service).
David Peters, broadcast planning director, said: “I think Airey’s appointment comes as a surprise to us all, especially given the intense speculation about her move to ITV. Whether she proves to be an expensive spoiler or whether she will have a genuine effect remains to be seen, but she’s certainly got the right experience to make Sky’s new digital terrestrial channel a success.”
He added: “What is a good move for BSkyB is a complete disaster for ITV and I seriously doubt whether the Network has a plan B.”
News of Airey’s defection to BSkyB will no doubt come as a blow to ITV, which has been hard hit by the advertising downturn and the recent collapse of ITV Digital (see Administrators Confirm ITV Digital Sale). According the IPA’s recent Trends In Television Report, ITV1’s share of viewing has slipped from 25.1% in the first quarter of 2002, to 24.2% in the second quarter of this year (see IPA Trends In TV Report Reflects ITV’s World Cup Weakness).
Channel Five, which recently underwent extensive re-branding (see Channel 5 Relaunched As Five), will also be reluctant to see Airey go. In over six years at the Channel she has helped to reverse its reputation for cheap programming and has introduced a number of serious arts and imported dramas into the schedule.
A spokesperson for Channel Five said: “Dawn has made a key contribution to the success of Five. She leaves behind a channel geared for growth and a strong management team under the leadership of deputy chief executive, Nick Milligan, who are committed to continuing that success.”
It is understood that Nick Milligan is the favourite to replace Airey as chief executive.
BSkyB: 020 7705 3000 www.sky.com Channel 5: 08457 050505 www.channel5.co.uk
Recent Television Stories from NewsLine Government Finally Gives BBC3 The Go Ahead Dyke Praises Jowell For Diligence Over BBC 3 Decision Lambrini Makes A Date With ITV
Subscribers can access ten years of NewsLine articles by clicking the Search button to the left