Michael Jackson Tipped For ITV’s Top Job
Former Channel 4 boss, Michael Jackson, is being tipped as the prime candidate for the chief executive position at ITV.
According to press reports, Jackson, who is currently the head of USA Networks, has signalled his interest in holding discussions with ITV bosses and could enter the running for the position left open following the departure of Stuart Prebble earlier this year (see Prebble Steps Down From ITV).
ITV has refused to comment on speculation, but Jackson may prove a controversial choice following his time at Channel 4, which culminated with his decision to repeat the controversial Brass Eye comedy on the eve of his departure (see Jackson Leaves With Brass Eye Repeat). It has also been suggested that he is unpopular with drama programmers.
Speculation had previously focused on ex-Channel 4 chief executive and chairman of Camelot, Michael Grade (see Airey To Leave Channel Five Sooner Than Expected), after he lunched with Carlton’s, Charles Allen, last week. However, Grade has reportedly ruled himself out of the running, leaving head of production at United Business Media, John Willis, as one of the few believed to be interested in the position.
With David Liddiment due to step down in December (see Liddiment Quits ITV Director Of Channels Role), ITV is also in the process of searching for a new director of channels. It is likely that the broadcaster will appoint a stop-gap candidate, as it attempts to broker a deal with a suitable permanent replacement. City analysts have suggested ITV needs a strong figure-head in order to win back investor’s confidence following the ITV Digital debacle.
It was widely expected that former Channel Five chief executive, Dawn Airey, would take the role, however, she shocked the broadcasting industry last week by announcing her intention to join BSkyB as managing director of Sky Networks (see Airey’s Departure Represents Coup For BSkyB).
The latest data from the IPA shows that ITV1’s share of viewing has slipped from 25.1% in the first quarter of 2002, to 24.2% in the second quarter of this year (see IPA Trends In TV Report Reflects ITV’s World Cup Weakness). While ITV’s August television revenue figures saw a 7.1% year on year decline, as the network continues to bear the brunt of the advertising downturn.
This weekend the Independent On Sunday claimed that some of the UK’s major brands are planning to switch part of their advertising spend to rival broadcasters, BSkyB and Channel Five. According to the report, mobile phone operator 02 is also considering switching a chunk of its ITV advertising to interactive television.
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