Channel 4 Makes Key Hires for Digital Content Unit

Channel 4 has appointed Janine Smith as its new digital content director, and Laura Marks takes on the role of digital content commissioner.

Smith and Marks are the latest senior hires for Channel 4’s Digital Content Unit (DCU; working title) which will ensure Channel 4 engages and influences young audiences in the places they are increasingly spending more time. The DCU will develop content that is either tailored or specifically created to maximize reach and viewing across key social media channels.

Smith will lead the DCU’s content and delivery teams, ensuring Channel 4’s social output is at the forefront of the digital landscape. Based at the national headquarters in Leeds, she will also lead the recruitment drive to find the creatives for the DCU and oversee the delivery of Channel 4’s cross-platform strategy and branded content campaigns. Smith was previously ITV’s head of digital entertainment.

Marks will be the DCU’s digital commissioner based in Glasgow and work closely with the Channel 4 commissioning team to help commission and produce the broadcaster’s social slate of original programming and branded content series. Marks was previously nations and regions executive at Channel 4.

Matt Risley, head of the DCU, said: “Janine is an award-winning director with a proven track record in leading and executing industry-leading content campaigns, and I’m delighted she’s joined our team.”

He continued, “Laura has a wealth of experience in commissioning original multiplatform content in comedy and entertainment which is going to be invaluable to the DCU.”