EXCLUSIVE: The BBC‘s seek for its subsequent content material chief is gathering tempo.
A number of trade sources advised Deadline that the sector of contenders has narrowed, with three executives stated to be frontrunners for the most important inventive job in British TV, audio, and streaming.
They’re: Kate Phillips, the BBC’s unscripted boss and interim chief content material officer; Patrick Holland, Banijay UK’s government chairman; and BBC Studios Productions CEO Zai Bennett.
Others are stated to be into account. A number of sources stated BBC director normal Tim Davie has met with Netflix UK chief Anne Mensah, although many are unsure about her urge for food for the function and willingness to take a pay lower. She is adored by her bosses at Netflix, who will wish to maintain her after a string of hits, together with Adolescence.
Tom McDonald, the New York-based government vice chairman of Nat Geo, can also be stated to be within the combine. He’s extremely considered and his expertise working within the U.S. would definitely not depend towards him.
Headhunters Grace Blue and Ibison are serving to steer the BBC recruitment course of, with functions closing final week. As at all times, the potential for a darkish horse candidate stays a chance.
Others are thought to have dominated themselves out. This contains Jay Hunt, Apple TV+’s boss in Europe, and Channel 4’s content material supremo Ian Katz. Sources stated Apple government Alison Kirkham was thought-about, however is claimed to be glad in her present function. Liam Keelan, Disney’s former EMEA originals chief, isn’t within the working.
The profitable candidate will exchange Charlotte Moore, who’s stepping down as chief content material officer after 4 years to affix Left Financial institution Footage as CEO. She can even oversee worldwide inventive output for Sony Footage Tv.
The Frontrunners
Phillips is extensively seen as the chief to beat, with each BBC insiders and influential producers trumpeting her prospects. She has been the BBC’s director of unscripted since 2022, overseeing the likes of The Traitors, Strictly Come Dancing, and Gladiators.
Kate Phillips
Insiders have been impressed with how she has acted up within the interim function over the previous few weeks, whereas one ally within the manufacturing neighborhood stated she had been “groomed” for the place, having labored carefully with Moore for years.
“I used to be in along with her lately and was impressed by her grasp of the fabric, her insights, assist for the commissioners, and she or he was good with the expertise,” stated one other producer. “That job is about understanding the larger image of the BBC, not simply greenlighting exhibits. She has a powerful and empowered commissioning workforce to get on with that.”
The concept she is able to navigating the distinctive calls for of the function got here up repeatedly. Described as one of many hardest jobs within the trade, it requires a capability to information hits, grip controversy, and safeguard the BBC’s public service values as constitution renewal negotiations loom. In current months, Phillips’ modifications to Strictly Come Dancing helped calm the misconduct storm that engulfed the present, whereas she has additionally needed to deal with the fallout from the Gregg Wallace scandal.
“What Tim is after is somebody who actually believes and loves the BBC, would stay and die for the BBC, relatively than somebody in it for the glory of the job,” stated a BBC government. “It’s about public service, so he wants a superb public servant.”
Phillips would even be one of many few candidates who could be the beneficiary of a pay rise, ought to she be promoted. She at present earns as a lot as £294,999 ($389,000), whereas Moore is paid £468,000.
Patrick Holland
Holland, the previous BBC2 controller, is considered the main exterior candidate, although he’s stated to be glad at Banijay UK, the place he has been since 2022. Sources stated the attract of an outsider stays tempting for the BBC, and Holland’s combine of business and public service expertise may work in his favor. As time has gone on, discuss across the potential for Holland to tackle the highest job has grown relatively than dimmed.
“He could be a superb candidate. He has bought PSB ardour and journalism/documentary expertise. You want somebody who can see all sides of a narrative and has bought that grounding in impartiality points,” stated a highly-regarded factual producer. Holland commissioned BAFTA-winning As soon as Upon a Time in Iraq and Race Throughout the World throughout his time on the BBC. A former BBC insider stated: “Patrick at all times stated the one job he’d return for is the highest BBC content material job.”
Zai Bennett
Bennett solely joined BBC Studios final 12 months, however folks near the previous Sky government imagine he’s contemplating Moore’s outdated job. Some assume the optics of him leaping ship so quickly are uncommon, however one individual stated he was dropped at BBC Studios with a particular eye on succession planning for Moore and deepening the company’s expertise bench.
With credit together with Chernobyl, Brassic, The Solely Manner Is Essex, and Individuals Simply Do Nothing, Bennett is aware of tips on how to decide a success. He’s additionally extensively considered a powerful communicator who would be capable to articulate the BBC’s mission successfully.
Moore stays employed by the BBC, however is now coming into the ultimate weeks of her tenure. She was an unflinching advocate for the ability of public service broadcasting, and the glowing tributes to the job she did counsel she leaves huge sneakers to fill.
Further reporting by Max Goldbart
