Channel 4 Releases Thompson To Join BBC Early
Channel 4 has agreed to release outgoing chief executive Mark Thompson from his contract early so that he can leave to take up his new position as director general of the BBC later this month.
The BBC announced recently that Thompson had been appointed to succeed Greg Dyke as director general of the Corporation, in a move that finally drew a line under the damage done by the Hutton report (see BBC Steps Up Pressure To Get Thompson On Board).
Thompson had been due to serve out his six month notice period at Channel 4 before joining the BBC in November. However, he will now step in to the director general’s shoes on 22 June after the Corporation agreed to cover any costs incurred by Channel 4 in the search for a new chief executive.
Commenting on the decision, Channel 4 chairman, Luke Johnson, said: “I’ve agreed to release Mark from his contract early and allow him to join the BBC from Wednesday of next week. In return, the BBC has agreed to cover any costs we incur in the recruitment of his successor.
He added: “Our recruitment process is proceeding and I’m satisfied that releasing Mark at this point will not act significantly against Channel 4’s best interests, while allowing the BBC to get on with the important process of charter renewal without delay.”
Johnson will take control of the day to day running of the channel and will assume the duties of an executive chairman until a successor in appointed. Recruitment specialist, Spencer Stuart, has been hired to carry out the search for a new chief executive and speculation suggests that a replacement could be appointed by the end of July (see Johnson To Name New Channel 4 Chief By End Of July).
Dawn Airey, managing director of Sky Networks, has emerged as the front runner to take over from Thompson as chief executive. However, BBC director of television Jana Bennett and Channel 4 director of television Kevin Lygo are also being mooted as possible replacements, along with former BBC governor Heather Rabbatts and ex-Warner Music boss Roger Ames.
Channel 4 recently experienced a night of record ratings as millions of viewers tuned in to watch the last ever episode of Friends and the highly anticipated opening night of Big Brother 5 (see Channel 4 Hits Ratings High With Friends And Big Brother).
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.co.uk
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