Work Begins For New ITV Chief

Adam Crozier, the new ITV Chief Executive, has taken up his new post and hopes to turn ITV's fortunes round for the better.

The former head of Royal Mail, and having earlier presided over the Football Association, Mr. Crozier has taken over the throne of Michael Grade who announced his intentions to stand down as Executive Chairman of the broadcaster last April.

Mr. Crozier managed to revive the fortunes of Royal Mail, but it was not without controversy.

Last year postal workers took to the picket line in protest at efficiencies and streamlined systems, which they say put jobs in jeopardy.

Now with ITV in his grasp Crozier having recognised the "entire media sector going through enormous change", is looking at a major revamp.

Plans at this stage are yet to be laid out but it is understood that he is under pressure to reduce ITV’s reliance on advertising and revive ITV Studios.

Other possible changes include; increasing digital revenue, fighting regulation such as the Contract Rights Renewal Scheme and targeting a more middle class audience.

Picking up on Chairman Archie Norman's strategic review, set out in February, he is expected to put new emphasis on in-house produced content.

Upon his appointment Mr Norman commented: "Adam is a very strong leader with a great track record in delivering transformational change."

Mr Crozier's biggest challenge will be to boost advertising revenue for station's channels, amid increasing competition from Sky and other digital TV providers.

(BMcN/BMcC)