Five Raids Channel 4 For New Acquisitions Boss

Five has appointed Vanessa Brookman, Channel 4 and E4’s deputy editor of US series, as its new deputy director of acquisitions, paving the way for more high-profile American imports to bolster the broadcaster’s schedule.

Brookman is to join Five next month, reporting directly to Jay Kandola, the broadcaster’s recently appointed director of acquisitions.

Commenting on the appointment, Dan Chambers, director of programmes with Five said: “Brookman is a rising star and I am delighted we have been able to attract her to the channel. Acquisitions is a key part of the channel’s programming, and as such this new position is vital to maintain our position as the home of America’s finest shows.”

Brookman added: “I’m thrilled that I will be able to play a part in building on Five’s already fantastic reputation for showing the best in acquired programming.”

The move to Five will end a five year career for Brookman at Channel 4, having joined the broadcaster in 2000, before being promoted to the postition of deputy editor of US series in October 2003. Before working for Channel 4, Brookman held positions with Columbia Tristar and Mayfair Televsion Entertainment.

Five relies heavily on imported shows to draw large audiences, with american detective shows CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami and CSI: New York regularly amongst its highest rating, drawing average viewing figures of over 3 million and topping the broadcaster’s charts. The last month has seen the shows shunted from the top three spots on only three occasions, once with the broadcast of a UEFA Cup match and twice with film screenings.

However, not all of Five’s acquisitions have proved successful, with the much-anticipated Friends spin-off, Joey, appearing successful at first (see Joey Breaks Five’s Viewing Records With 4.1 Million), but shedding viewers since its debut, despite heavy promotion (see Joey Loses Over A Million Viewers).

Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv