Channel 4 ups factual chief to Jay Hunt deputy

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has promoted head of factual Ralph Lee to deputy chief creative officer, working next in line to Channel 4 boss and chief creative officer Jay Hunt.

Lee takes on the role in addition to his existing head of factual duties and will deputise for Hunt on creative decision-making across all of the corporation’s channels and platforms.

He will also lead on the development of major programme seasons and provide the strategic direction for short form content for Channel 4’s new 4Shorts brand – working closely with head of online, Richard Davidson Houston who will commission the content.

“Ralph is an exceptional commissioner and creative leader, running a team that has delivered hits like Education Yorkshire and Gogglebox. We have been talking for some months about a new role for him at 4 and I am excited he will be working with me as deputy chief creative officer,” said Hunt.

Lee has been Channel 4’s head of factual since 2011 and has been responsible for series and programmes including The King in the Car Park, 24 Hours in A&E, Cutting Edge, and the controversial Benefits Street.

He was previously deputy, then head of specialist factual at Channel 4, with a spell as head of factual at Channel 5 in 2007.