Lygo Set To Return To Channel 4
Kevin Lygo is to step down as programming director at Five and is to rejoin Channel 4 following the departure of Tim Gardam.
The move, which was widely predicted by the industry, will see Lygo become director of television at Channel 4, after Gardam’s decision to leave the role for “partly personal reasons” at the end of this year (see Channel 4’s Director Of Television To Step Down).
Commenting on his departure, Jane Lighting, chief executive of Channel Five, said: “It’s flattering that when Channel 4 is looking for a new director of television they come to Five once again. Kevin has made a key contribution to Five’s success and development over the past two years, he will be much missed both professionally and personally by all of us at Five.”
Mark Thompson, chief executive at Channel 4, commented: “I had only one person in mind when it came to replacing Tim and so I’m delighted that Kevin has agreed to rejoin Channel 4. He has a great track record of attracting the best creative talent and of commissioning the type of original and provocative programming that is Channel 4’s hallmark. I’m looking forward to working with him on the continuing reinvention of the Channel 4 schedule that has been proceeding so successfully under Tim’s direction.”
Once the date of Lygo’s departure has been decided, operational management of Five’s programming team will be assumed by Lighting while a search for a new director of programmes is undertaken.
Lygo claimed he could not pass up the chance to return to Channel 4, commenting: “The combination of a bigger programme budget and the channel’s remit to cause trouble and to innovate represents a unique opportunity for a channel controller and a challenge that I’m genuinely excited by.”
Channel 4 recently announced plans to increase its programming spend for the coming year by an additional £9 million to £439 million, the highest annual budget in the channel’s history (see Channel 4 Boosts Programming Budget To Record High).
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv
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