Ben is the Director of Programmes for Channel 5, the UK’s third largest commercial TV channel and its digital channels 5STAR, 5Spike, 5Select and 5USA, with responsibility across all content for the portfolio. Channel 5 is owned by Viacom International Media Networks, following its acquisition in 2014.

Since his appointment in February 2013, Ben has driven a creative renewal of Channel 5, previously an acquisitions-focused channel, by investing significantly in a slate of high-quality originations across a range of genres. During his tenure, the number of original commissions in peak time has increased by 40% with over 100 original series or specials transmitting over the last 12 months. Channel 5 has broadened the scope of its programming, commissioning history, natural history, drama, entertainment and comedy series to build on its roots in factual programming, attracting talent ranging from Michael Palin to Michael Portillo, Jane McDonald to Jeremy Vine. This fundmental shift in the channel’s reputation — and increased appeal to wider audiences — has been recognised by the industry in 2018: Channel 5 secured its best ever nominations at the RTS Programme Awards and Grierson Awards; its first ever BAFTA for Cruising with Jane McDonald; first ever wins at the AIB and Venice TV Festival Awards and scooped the prestigious Channel of the Year award at the Edinburgh TV Festival, beating BBC1, BBC2, BBC3 and ITV.