Promotion for commissioner Allen

Channel 4 commissioning editor Shane Allen has been promoted to head of comedy.

He replaces Andrew Newman, who moved to Objective Productions last week, and will be responsible for all the station’s comedy output.

Newman was also head of entertainment, which has now been split off into a new job, yet to be filled. Allen will be acting head until an appointment is made.

Allen said: ‘Andrew is a comedy and entertainment legend who leaves behind incredibly flamboyant and special shoes to fill. While taking over a rich slate of programmes, I relish the enormous challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in continuing C4’s heritage of pioneering and treasured comedy.’

Channel 4 boss Julian Bellamy added: ‘Allen steps up to this position at an exciting time for Channel 4 comedy. The latest series of Peep Show is drawing its highest audience figures yet, and a season of Comedy Showcase pilots will begin in early November. I look forward to working with him on the next generation of stand-out Channel 4 comedies.’

Channel 4 is preparing to commission a lot more comedy and entertainment shows to fill the 250-hour gap left when Big Brother is axed.

Allen directed Ali G in The USAiiiii and wrote for Shooting Stars before joining Channel 4 as commissioning editor in 2005, where his credits include Star Stories, Plus One and Fonejacker.

Published: 21 Oct 2009