Kevin Lygo outlines new opportunies at The Media Festival 09. Image by Heloukee
Yesterday new Chief Executive David Abraham made his welcome speech, ahead of starting his new job on Tuesday – a job that Director of Television Kevin Lygo had his eye on. Today Lygo announces that he’s leaving to head up ITV as Managing Director. But is the decision a statement about the future of 4 under Abraham, or something a lot more personal?
The appointment of Abraham was met with surprise, and there were fears from the start that it would result in the loss of Lygo. Lygo was the favourite amongst staff at the channel, and there was talk of a ‘revolution’ or ‘walk-out’ by commissioners if Lygo left. Lygo was totally focussed on content, and was largely seen as an excellent creative. With a background as a comedy scriptwriter, he was the brains behind the launch of E4, and responsible for iconic Channel 4 shows such as Smack the Pony, Spaced, Black Books, Da Ali G Show, and Brass Eye – shows that were distinct and which epitomised the Channel 4 style and tone.
“Kevin’s relationship with talent is second to none,” one commissioner said . “C4 will lose something very significant if he ends up with another broadcaster.”
However, shortly after the announcement of Abraham’s appointment, Lygo announced that he did not intend to leave C4. “He made a commitment to dive back into the creative renewal process, to refocus after the distraction and evident disappointment [of not getting the job]”, said one member of C4 staff, as reported in Broadcast.
Reason for the U-turn
This u-turn will not be popular amongst staff. So what promted it? You could surmise that Lygo was merely playing it safe by stating his continued commitment to his current role at C4 until a better one came along. But following Abraham’s stated commitment to be hands-on creatively, perhaps Lygo feels that would be little room left for editorial freedom on his part?
Abraham did make a bold entry with his speech yesterday, announcing:
“I would far rather that commissioners adopted a ‘no guts no glory’ approach than played it safe,” he added. “To fail nobly in my view is better than succeeding sheepishly. I relish the opportunity to defend intelligent creative risk-taking and I will not shy away from doing so.”
Creative Renewal
Another possibility is that Lygo needs a fresh channel in order to re-spark his creativity. In the Broadcast article mentioned above, one source implies that his enthusiasm and fervour were waning: “He’s the most creative person in the building but has become more cynical and less interested.”
It’s all too easy for a creative mind to succumb to such cynicism and disinterest. Perhaps Lygo has realised this – perhaps the appointment of Abraham made it clear to him – and the move to ITV is a conscious effort to re-kindle his passion for television?
Lygo will work alongside Peter Fincham at ITV where his creative powers will be given reign. The channel is not known for risk-taking innovation, and perhaps those restraints will have Lygo wishing for his old job back. All eyes will be on his decisions in the new role, and the future direction of C4 under Abraham.
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