Thompson Takes The Helm At Channel 4

Mark Thompson, former BBC director of television, emphasised his commitment to digital entertainment when he was confirmed as the new chief executive of Channel 4 today.

Thompson, who takes up the position next March, said that his primary role will be to take advantage of new digital opportunities and dismissed claims that the channel had overstretched itself by investing in E4, saying: “If Channel 4 is to thrive it must concentrate on the interactive use of digital TV and the internet as these new technologies extend the channel’s essence.”

Thompson denied speculation that he was using his position at Channel 4 as a springboard to the BBC director general’s job and while he refused to rule out a return to the BBC, he said: “I see myself leading Channel 4 for many years to come and at the moment that is the only thing on my mind. Channel 4 is a powerhouse of potential and my job is to find a way of leading that potential into the future.”

Thompson, who described the channel as “a beacon of creativity, innovation and independence,” said that his biggest challenge as chief executive would be to protect the channel’s core values and to ensure that it remained loyal to its remit in the rapidly expanding digital environment.

He acknowledged that it was more becoming difficult to balance originality with achieving real commercial success, but said: “Diversity in peaktime viewing and across the whole schedule is what Channel 4 is all about. Programmes can be brave and innovative as well as popular and I want to make sure that we have a secure and solid source of income but remain commercially brave.”

Channel 4 recently announced a raft of job cuts and reduced its investment in its commercial arm, 4 Ventures, by 50% as a result of the advertising downturn (see

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