Channel Four chief quits
Channel 4 chief executive Michael Jackson has quit the TV station to take up a job in the United States, it was announced today.
He is joining the USA Entertainment Group as the company’s chief executive based in New York, fulfilling a long-held ambition to work in the America.
His departure date has not yet been announced but Channel 4 said it would soon begin advertising for his replacement.
Mr Jackson joined Channel 4 in July 1997 and today described his time with the station as ‘‘constant source of stimulation’’.
But the former BBC1 and BBC2 controller said he was looking forward to working in an entirely new market.
Announcing his departure from Channel 4, he said: ‘‘I am immensely proud of the channel’s creative track record during my time in charge and I would like to thank everyone at the channel for their contribution to its many successes in the last four years.’’
During his four years at Channel 4, Mr Jackson has overseen the commissioning of programmes such as Big Brother, Da Ali G show and Queer As Folk.
He has also been responsible for the launch of pay TV channel FilmFour and digital entertainment channel E4.
Channel 4’s chairman, Vanni Treves, today paid tribute to Mr Jackson.
He said: ‘‘Michael has never lost sight of what really drives and defines Channel 4 - its programming - and as the head of the channel he has invigorated the core channel’s schedule and presided over a period of unprecedented success, while remaining true to our core values of innovation, diversity and creativity.’’
He added: ‘‘He leaves Channel 4 in a much stronger position than he found it, with a range of new initiatives, including FilmFour channels, E4, FilmFour Ltd and Channel 4 Interactive, all promising to sustain the core channel in more competitive times ahead.’’
Mr Jackson said: ‘‘To lead an organisation that constantly seeks to reinvent itself and strives to innovate has been a constant source of stimulation and I have enjoyed the challenge of balancing the cultural and creative imperatives that drive the channel against its commercial needs.’’
The son of a Macclesfield baker, Mr Jackson began his television career with a number of independent production companies.
He later joined the BBC, rising to become the controller of BBC2 and eventually director of television and controller of BBC1.
