Channel 4 head of entertainment Phil Harris to exit after four years

Phil Harris

Channel 4’s head of entertainment, Phil Harris, is exiting the UK broadcaster after four years to set up his own production company.

Harris will depart at the end of year to focus on his new venture, with further details about the company expected to be announced at a later date.

Commissioning editor Steve Handley will step into Harris’ role in the interim, reporting to Channel 4 CCO Ian Katz.

Harris joined Channel 4 in 2019 from Britain’s Got Talent producer Thames, where he served as creative director.

During his time at the broadcaster, he has commissioned shows including Tempting Fortune and Late Night Lycett.

Harris said that he is looking forward to the “next step” in his career, adding: “I’m really proud of the broad range of returning brands we have now in entertainment and know Steve will do a fabulous job progressing the department into a new era.”

Katz said that the outgoing exec had helped to “launch the careers of some of the most exciting new talents in the industry, and [racked] up so many awards we’ve had to get a bigger mantlepiece.”

Harris’ departure comes amid a UK commissioning slowdown, with Katz telling an audience at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August that Channel 4 has “perhaps been a bit more honest” about the current financial situation than other UK broadcasters.