Ben Frow, chief content officer of 5 (formerly Channel 5) is stepping down next year.
The news was shared in an internal memo from Reemah Sakaan, president of the Skydance-owned U.K. network. He has been with the company for 14 years.
“I have always said that this was the best job in the world, and I’ve absolutely loved my time at 5,” Frow was quoted in the memo. “But after 14 years where I’ve achieved everything I wanted to and more, it seems like the right time to hand over and give someone else a go. This isn’t a good bye just yet and I’ll be around to support Reemah and the team with a smooth transition.”
Frow will step down from his day-to-day role next summer and leave the company at the end of 2027. Sakaan’s memo indicated the network intends to find a new creative leader to step into Frow’s shoes.
In her memo, Sakaan praised the exec’s “exceptional creative skills, obsession with our audience and fiery competitive spirit.”
Sakaan noted that Frow has overseen shows including “Michael Palin in…,” “The Yorkshire Vet,” “Cruising With Jane McDonald,” “Murder Suspect No. 1,” “Cause of Death,” “GPs Behind Closed Door,” “Rich House, Poor House,” “Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards,” “All Creatures Great and Small,” “Ellis,” “Good Ship Murder” and “Play for Today.”
Rumors of Frow’s impending departure had been bubbling in the industry in some months. The news comes as 5 posted a £24.5 million ($32 million) drop in profits year-on-year.
The company’s latest financial report, published last month, states that owners Skydance — after completing its merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. — have “set out ambitious plans to create a next-generation global media and technology company” and remain “committed to building on 5’s success.”
Source: variety.com
