Hugh Johnson Leaves Channel 4
Channel 4’s head of commercial marketing and research, Hugh Johnson, has announced that he will be leaving the channel in March, to pursue other work ventures.
Johnson has worked for Channel 4 for 14 years, since joining in 1991, and has agreed with Andy Barnes, director of sales, to work for the Channel on a consultancy basis, contributing around three days a week.
Commenting on his departure, Johnson told Newsline: “I’ve been here for 14 years and I’m sad to be leaving. It’s been great working with a super team, but for rather a long time now. I’m looking forward to doing something new.”
Andy Barnes added: “Hugh Johnson is just about the best research person anyone could ever hope to work with. Interested and involved he combines a unique knowledge with a sense of purpose and humour. Having worked with him for most of the last 25 years both my professional and personal life will be all the poorer for his departure.”
He continued: “I know he will continue to be a fantastic success at whatever he wishes to do in the future. I’m very glad and grateful that he has agreed to spend at least part of that future time with us.”
Commenting on the changing face of the television industry, Johnson cited technology as the largest factor affecting the sector. He said: ” The TV industry is a lot less stable as technology has taken us in leaps and bounds, resulting in there being less time to spend on research.”
He continued: “When I first joined Channel 4 the challenges were to prove the value of the product, which I think we’ve done, now that Channel 4 has a new digital future the challenge is launching the new channels.”
Last week Channel 4 announced a restructuring of its commercial arm, 4 Ventures, in an attempt to increase profits from its secondary business activities.
Andy Duncan, Channel 4 chief executive, unveiled plans to reintegrate a number of 4 Ventures’ activities back into the core Channel 4 organisation, thus retaining a streamlined commercial arm, and focussing on 4’s new media and rights businesses.
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com
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