Channel 4 reportedly lays off about half its commissioners

Around half of Channel 4’s commissioners—the staff who choose and oversee programmes—are being laid off in its restructuring, Deadline said on 29 October. The cuts accompany a consolidation of commissioning under documentaries chief Alisa Pomeroy, whose appointment as Head of Unscripted Channel 4 announced on 28 October.

The changes follow Channel 4’s 9 September proposal to remove approximately 340 roles, or 28% of its workforce, by the end of 2026. Those figures cover the whole broadcaster; they are not a separate count or deadline for commissioner redundancies.

Five programme areas under one head

Pomeroy’s expanded role brings together documentaries, factual entertainment, reality, entertainment and specialist factual programming. These are Channel 4’s unscripted areas, distinct from its drama and comedy commissioning. Channel 4 says she formally takes up the position in January 2027 and will report to incoming Director of Programmes David Brindley.

Pomeroy has worked at Channel 4 for 11 years. The broadcaster says she will work with Brindley and her commissioning team to set the direction of its unscripted programming and decide what to commission. Pomeroy said the expanded remit would let her build on her experience and champion original ideas with staff and creative partners.

Channel 4’s reasons for restructuring

Channel 4 said in September that changing viewing habits, global competition, difficult consumer conditions and a volatile advertising market were putting pressure on programme commissioning budgets. Its proposed restructuring would reduce management layers, remove duplicated work and simplify decisions, with the aim of spending less outside programming and directing a greater share of revenue towards programmes.

The September announcement said formal consultation with affected employees would follow. It set a year-end target for the overall workforce reduction without specifying a separate number or implementation timetable for commissioning staff.

Departures and the next appointment

Deadline also cited Broadcast’s report, published a day before Pomeroy’s promotion, that comedy boss Charlie Perkins and entertainment chief Steve Handley are leaving.

A corresponding leader for scripted programming, covering both drama and comedy, is expected to be appointed in the coming months, Deadline said. That appointment remains expected rather than announced. Brindley is due to start in January 2027, when Pomeroy formally begins her expanded role.