Channel 4 To Combine Drama & Comedy Teams Under Historic Jobs Cull

EXCLUSIVE: Channel 4 will merge its drama and comedy commissioning units as the UK network seeks to cut its workforce by more than a quarter over the coming months. Channel 4 will create a new scripted commissioning team, which sources said would more closely resemble the set-up at major U.S. networks and streamers. Film4 will not be part of the changes. It is not clear how many roles are at risk across the drama and comedy teams, but Channel 4 is seeking to reduce its commissioner headcount by around half. Channel 4 will close a total of 340 jobs before the end of the year, which is equivalent to 28% of its workforce. It is the biggest round of layoffs in Channel 4’s 43-year history. Watch on Deadline Channel 4’s new scripted unit will be responsible for shows including A Woman of Substance, Big Boys, and Derry Girls. Drama commissioning is led by interim chief Gwawr Lloyd following Ollie Madden’s departure to Netflix last year. Channel 4 comedy is overseen by Charlie Perkins. The change mirrors work in unscripted, where Channel 4 is planning to bring together three units: Documentaries and factual entertainment; reality and entertainment; and specialist factual. “It makes sense after being resisted for years,” said a respected drama producer. A second producer added that there is increasing cross-pollination between the genres, with writers like Succession and Peep Show creator Jesse Armstrong occupying a space somewhere between comedy and drama. Channel 4 declined to comment beyond Wednesday’s statement about the layoffs. CEO Priya Dogra said the cuts were aimed at putting more money on screen by reducing management layers, removing duplication and simplifying decision-making. A person familiar with the changes said they were communicated internally in a “ruthless” way, with staff being told that if they received an email at a certain time, it would inform them that their job was at risk. Insiders are describing the jobs cull as a “watershed” moment for Channel 4, as it grapples with unprecedented competition for viewers and pressure on advertising revenue. Dogra said: “These decisions have not been taken lightly, but I strongly believe they are necessary to create a simpler, more focused and more sustainable Channel 4 that can invest a greater proportion of revenues into distinctive content, back British creativity and deliver impact for audiences long into the future.”