LONDON (Brand Republic) 鈥 UK broadcaster Channel 5鈥檚 newly appointed chief executive Dawn Airey has announced her first management shake-up with the appointment of Michael Attwell and Chris Shaw as senior programme controllers.
Airey took control of the UK鈥檚 youngest terrestrial television network just over a week ago, when David Elstein was forced from the channel by shareholders RTL and United News & Media. Airey will retain her role as director of programmes.
Programme controllers responsible for drama, entertainment, children鈥檚 and religion will report to Attwell -- currently controller of features and arts. Programme controllers of special events, sport and interactivity will report to Shaw, currently controller of news, current affairs and documentaries.
Ashley Hill, controller of programme planning since November 1997, will add control of the schedule budget, departmental administration and presentation to his responsibilities.
Airey said that, although taking on the chief executive鈥檚 duties has meant that some streamlining of the programming department鈥檚 reporting structure was necessary, she will continue to have 鈥渄irect creative contact with all controllers鈥.