Channel 5 shuffles commissioning team

Channel 5 has today announced a number of changes to its commissioning team after a series of high profile departures.

Katie Keenan and Kate Barnes have been promoted from their deputy roles to become head of acquisitions and head of digital channels respectively.

Jessica Symons has moved from manager to commissioning editor of Channel 5's Children's output, while Greg Barnett has become commissioning editor for entertainment, soaps and daytime.

Compliance manger Sue Gould has been named Channel 5's new head of programme compliance. All the promotions are with immediate effect.

Jeff Ford, Channel 5's former managing director of digital channels and acquisitions, who is now the broadcaster's director of programmes, said: "These promotions reflect the hard work and experience of these talented individuals. Katie and Kate have unrivalled knowledge of the international and digital markets.

"I'm thrilled to be able to expand Greg's role on a permanent basis and Jessica's experience managing children’s programmes leaves her perfectly placed to run the department. Plus, Sue Gould knows everything there is to know about programme compliance, and her promotion too, is much-deserved."

In August, new Channel 5 owner Richard Desmond announced plans to cut around 80 jobs as part of his major overhaul of the broadcaster.

That led to the departure of Chris Shaw, senior programme controller overseeing news, current affairs and factual, along with director of children's programming Nick Wilson, director of programmes Richard Woolfe and controller of sport Robert Charles.