EXCLUSIVE: The BBC‘s seek for its subsequent content material chief is gathering tempo.
A number of business sources instructed Deadline that the sphere of contenders has narrowed, with three executives mentioned to be frontrunners for the most important artistic 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 mentioned to be into consideration. A number of sources mentioned BBC director basic 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 reduce. 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 be mentioned to be within the combine. He’s extremely considered and his expertise working within the U.S. would definitely not rely in opposition to him.
Headhunters Grace Blue and Ibison are serving to steer the BBC recruitment course of, with purposes 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 consists of Jay Hunt, Apple TV+’s boss in Europe, and Channel 4’s content material supremo Ian Katz. Sources mentioned Apple government Alison Kirkham was thought of, however is alleged to be blissful 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 Photos as CEO. She may even oversee worldwide artistic output for Sony Photos 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 mentioned she had been “groomed” for the place, having labored intently with Moore for years.
“I used to be in together 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,” mentioned one other producer. “That job is about understanding the larger image of the BBC, not simply greenlighting exhibits. She has a robust and empowered commissioning crew 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 business, it requires a capability to information hits, grip controversy, and safeguard the BBC’s public service values as constitution renewal negotiations loom. In latest 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 reside and die for the BBC, relatively than somebody in it for the glory of the job,” mentioned a BBC government. “It’s about public service, so he wants a great 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 thought to be the main exterior candidate, though he’s mentioned to be blissful at Banijay UK, the place he has been since 2022. Sources mentioned the attract of an outsider stays tempting for the BBC, and Holland’s combine of business and public service expertise might 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 an excellent candidate. He has obtained PSB ardour and journalism/documentary expertise. You want somebody who can see all sides of a narrative and has obtained that grounding in impartiality points,” mentioned 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 mentioned: “Patrick at all times mentioned the one job he’d return for is the highest BBC content material job.”
Zai Bennett
Bennett solely joined BBC Studios final yr, however folks near the previous Sky government consider he’s contemplating Moore’s previous job. Some assume the optics of him leaping ship so quickly are uncommon, however one particular person mentioned he was dropped at BBC Studios with a selected 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 how you can choose successful. He’s additionally extensively thought to be a robust communicator who would have the ability to articulate the BBC’s mission successfully.
Moore stays employed by the BBC, however is now getting into the ultimate weeks of her tenure. She was an unflinching advocate for the facility of public service broadcasting, and the glowing tributes to the job she did recommend she leaves large footwear to fill.
Further reporting by Max Goldbart
