U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has appointed Priya Dogra as its new CEO, following the departure of Alex Mahon, who stepped down after eight years in the role. Dogra’s extensive experience includes her recent position as chief advertising, group data, and new revenue officer at Comcast-owned Sky. Prior to that, she served for 14 years at Warner Bros. Discovery and its predecessors, culminating her tenure as the president and managing director for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
In a statement regarding the appointment, Channel 4 chair Geoff Cooper praised Dogra as “an outstanding executive” and a “visionary leader” with a proven track record in driving commercial growth and digital transformation. He highlighted her capabilities in fostering collaborative partnerships and nurturing creativity within programming strategies. Cooper expressed confidence that Dogra is well-equipped to lead Channel 4 into its next chapter, emphasizing her passion for the organization and understanding of its public service remit.
Jonathan Allan, the chief operating officer and interim CEO, was recognized by Cooper for his leadership during the transition period. Cooper noted, “Jonathan has stepped up to guide Channel 4 through the second half of the year with skill, insight and energy.” He acknowledged Allan’s contributions in navigating challenging market conditions in recent months.
Expressing her enthusiasm about the role, Dogra stated, “Joining Channel 4 at this moment is a genuine privilege. Few organizations sit so firmly at the heart of British culture or have such a clear purpose and vital mission.” She looks forward to collaborating with the team at Channel 4 and partners in the creative industries to enhance its programming and deepen audience connections across all platforms.
As Channel 4 gears up for a transformative phase, it recently announced plans to shift towards in-house production. This change follows the U.K.’s Media Act 2024, which removes previous restrictions, allowing the broadcaster to create its own content. The organization aims to adopt a “twin-track approach” that incorporates both in-house production and investment in independent production companies with strong commercial potential.
This strategy aligns with Channel 4’s five-year plan unveiled earlier this year, which aims to reshape the organization and transition into a digital-first public service streamer by 2030. The broadcaster plans to reduce its workforce to levels close to 2021, while ensuring that it is effectively structured for digital growth. Other key elements of this strategy include relocating roles outside of London, implementing flexible working arrangements, and closing smaller linear channels that do not generate sufficient revenue or value.
The appointment of Priya Dogra marks a significant step for Channel 4 as it navigates a rapidly evolving media landscape while remaining committed to its mission of reflecting and representing diverse voices across the U.K. As the organization prepares for this new chapter, it remains focused on delivering distinctive and groundbreaking content that resonates with its audience.
