Five Announces Controller For New Digital Channels

Five has named Nick Thorogood as the Controller of its two forthcoming digital channels, Five US and Five Life.

The two channels are being launched in the Autumn and Thorogood will begin his new role in September.

Until earlier this year Thorogood was editor of ITV daytime, a position he’d held since 2004. Prior to that he was head of lifestyle channels at UKTV for four years.

Since leaving ITV he has been working in South East Asia for Astro Broadcasting as acting director of programmes across their network of 56 channels. Astro broadcasts throughout Malaysia, Indonesia and has interests in India and China.

Dan Chambers, Five’s Director of Programmes, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to attract an executive of Nick’s calibre to this key role.

“Nick has a great track record in both terrestrial and digital broadcasting which gives him the perfect background and experience to launch Five Life and Five US.”

Five has also cast stand-up comedian Russell Kane to be its on screen presence for Five US.

Russell Kane, who has been nominated in the Best Newcomer category at this year’s Edinburgh Festival if.comeddies (previously the Perrier Awards), will also get privileged access to Five US’s programme makers and report on the latest behind the scenes news and gossip from some of Five US’s biggest shows.

The broadcaster says that Five US will bring UK viewers the very best of American television in genres such as: established and new drama; comedy; films; sport and youth programming.

Five is also launching Five Life, a channel with a female focus which will also see it extend its children’s strand Milkshake (see Five To Launch Two New Channels).

Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv