It’s the end of an era for British television.
Ian Katz, the creative visionary who has served as Channel ’s Chief Content Officer for almost nine years, has announced he is stepping down this October. The news is sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry, as Katz is the longest-serving content chief in the network’s history.
If you’ve spent your weekends obsessed with The Great British Bake Off or laughing along to Taskmaster, you have Katz to thank. He was the mastermind who successfully brought Taskmaster to the channel and made the iconic move of recruiting Nigella Lawson to the Bake Off tent.
On X (formerly Twitter), fans are already reacting to the departure, with many praising his “bold” and “disruptive” taste in programming. Under his leadership, Channel moved away from being just a traditional TV station and transformed into a digital streaming giant.
“It’s been a privilege beyond words,” Katz said in a heartfelt statement. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, from pioneering the evolution of a commercial public service broadcaster into a digital streaming business, to backing groundbreaking programs.”
Katz’s resume is essentially a list of the internet’s favorite shows. He presided over the heartbreakingly beautiful It’s a Sin, the hilarious Big Boys, and the critically acclaimed We Are Lady Parts. He also leaned into the “noisy” side of TV, partnering with Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Politics podcast for major election coverage.
But he didn’t just stick to the fun stuff. Katz was known for his “impertinent” spirit, pushing for hard-hitting documentaries like Russell Brand: In Plain Sight and Gaza: Doctors Under Attack. He consistently asked the questions other broadcasters were too afraid to touch.
Channel CEO Priya Dogra had nothing but praise for her colleague, calling him an “outstanding creative leader” with an “unmistakably Channel glint in the eye.”
“He has overseen an era of creative renewal,” Dogra added. “He will be greatly missed, but I’m delighted that he will remain with us for some months yet.”
Don’t worry about your watch list just yet, though! Katz isn’t leaving the building immediately. He will stay in his post until October to oversee the slate, which he promises is “stronger than ever.”
Upcoming projects to look out for include Jack Thorne’s Falling, Steven Moffat’s Number , and Russell T. Davies’ Tip Toe.
Katz, who previously served as the deputy editor of The Guardian and the editor of BBC’s Newsnight, hasn’t revealed his next move just yet. Whatever it is, you can bet the “impertinent” energy he brought to Channel will follow him there.
Stay tuned as we wait to see who will take over the most coveted seat in British broadcasting!
