C4 Chair: Johnson Gets It Not Hughes

Ofcomwatch - like others - reported at the weekend that Penny Hughes would be the new Channel 4 chair. So it was a surprise when Luke Johnson was named the channel’s new chairman this morning.

The choice was all the more surprising since Johnson’s name hadn’t been touted as a likely choice. But it goes to show that Ofcom are prepared to do their own thing.

By keeping the appointment under wraps it also shows that the new regulator is less leaky than central government departments. Good job too, since they are right next to the river.

Johnson, 42, is the Chairman of Signature Restaurants (formerly Belgo Group), which owns The Ivy - so no problems getting a table.

The appointment to the �67,500-a-year post has been formally approved by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell.

Mainstream press give mixed reviews to the appointment, some perhaps miffed at having to wipe a little egg off their face. The industry was also surprised. FT quotes Nick Milligan, deputy chief executive at Channel Five:

“Channel 4 is the state-owned broadcaster funded by advertising. Its role is to be provocative, alternative and left of field. I think this appointment qualifies on all counts.”