Channel 5 Taps BBC’s Sarah Muller as Head of Children’s

LONDON: Viacom International Media Networks’ Channel 5 has appointed industry veteran Sarah Muller as the head of children’s.

In her new role, Muller will be tasked with the commissioning and acquisition of children’s programming for Channel 5. She will also oversee the preschool programming strand Milkshake! Muller will be responsible for children’s content across Channel 5’s linear and digital platforms, as well as in-market events. She will step into her new post on November 21.

Muller will report to Channel 5’s COO, Paul Dunthorne and Alison Bakunowich, the general manager of Nickelodeon UK & Ireland. Muller is currently the BBC’s creative director for scripted, animation, co-production and feature film.

“Sarah has a wealth of experience in the children’s television industry across both live action and animation and her expertise will help us grow Milkshake! into the leading preschool destination for British families,” said Dunthorne. “2016 has been one of the most successful years in Channel 5’s and Milkshake!’s history and we are confident that with Sarah’s appointment, the preschool strand will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Muller added: “I am thrilled to be joining Channel 5. To helm children’s content on the network is a huge opportunity. Milkshake! is a beloved block for U.K. families and I cannot wait to begin working with the programming team on elevating the brand across multiple platforms and enhancing the Channel 5 children’s offering.”