Thompson named new chief exec of C4

At the start of March, former BBC director of television Mark Thompson will take up his new post as chief executive of the U.K.'s Channel 4. It will be the first time since 1979 Thompson will leave for work and not arrive at the BBC. Having joined the pubcaster as a production trainee, Thompson earned the editorial helm of both 'Panorama' and the Nine O'Clock News, eventually becoming director of national and regional broadcasting before landing his role as BBC director general Greg Dyke's right-hand man.

January 1, 2002

At the start of March, former BBC director of television Mark Thompson will take up his new post as chief executive of the U.K.'s Channel 4. It will be the first time since 1979 Thompson will leave for work and not arrive at the BBC. Having joined the pubcaster as a production trainee, Thompson earned the editorial helm of both 'Panorama' and the Nine O'Clock News, eventually becoming director of national and regional broadcasting before landing his role as BBC director general Greg Dyke's right-hand man.