Former Nickelodeon UK MD And Senior VP Howard Litton In The Running To Become The Next Controller Of CBBC

From C21Media:

Muller in CBBC driving seat

Sarah Muller has emerged as favourite for the CBBC [Children's British Broadcasting Corporation] controller role, which is up for grabs following the shock news the incumbent, Damian Kavanagh, is moving to Channel 4 (C4).

The position opened yesterday after C4 announced Kavanagh, a former BBC daytime scheduling chief, was joining it as head of features and factual formats.

Industry sources say Muller, currently CBBC’s head of acquisitions and drama development, is in the driving seat for a promotion that would see her take on responsibility for the UK kids’ diginet.

Muller couldn’t be contacted before press time to confirm if she planned to apply for the role. C21 understands news of Kavanagh’s departure came out of the blue and BBC Children’s said it would announce succession plans “shortly.”

However, one source close to CBBC said: “The first person in line is Sarah – she’d be a terrific choice. She has a background in independent production, a good reputation as a creative and is well-liked on the scene.”

Another said: “She’s been there (at CBBC) a while, has a great understanding of the business and the landscape, and has always impressed as a smart, able person.” A third said she was “top management material.”

Other potential candidates touted include 3Line Media MD Estelle Hughes, Disney EMEA’s VP of original programming senior Beth Gardiner, former Nickelodeon UK chief Howard Litton, and Hasbro Studios’ senior VP of international distribution and development Finn Arnesen.

Muller’s drama commissions for CBBC include Spirit Warriors, Tracey Beaker’s Back and Just William. She also executive produced Muddle Earth.

Despite her current drama-focused role, Muller landing the top job could lead to a boost in commissions for toon houses.

A source said some producers were concerned that Kavanagh, who placed much focus on live-action during his three year tenure, did not mention animation during a programming session at last year’s Children’s Media Conference in Sheffield.

Muller’s previous roles include MD of toon house Elephant Productions and head of development at Lough House Animation (now Cinnamon Animation).

Meanwhile, Kavanagh’s new role at C4 will see him overseeing all programming across factual genres, replacing Sue Murphy, who left last December along with a string of other execs amid a major reshuffle.

Head of factual entertainment Liam Humphreys, deputy head of features Andrew Jackson and head of formats Dominic Bird will all report to Kavanagh.

He will report into C4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt, who said: “Damian has a great track record creatively and is an inspiring leader. He also has a knack for being able to translate great audience insight into unmissable shows and this makes him an invaluable addition to an already strong team.”

“Damian’s been a brilliant controller and has done a great job consolidating CBBC’s position as Britain’s most popular children’s channel,” added BBC Children’s director Joe Godwin. “I’m extremely grateful to him for the passion and commitment he’s shown for CBBC and wish him well for the future.“

Jesse Whittock
14-03-2012
©C21Media

Former Nickelodeon UK MD and senior VP (senior Vice President) Howard Litton left Nickelodeon UK in January 2010 after being with Nick UK for 15 years to pursue "personal projects and new opportunities in international media". While at Nickelodeon UK, Howard Litton played a key role in transforming Nickelodeon's UK business from a single channel operation to its present network of channels. He also championed kids series such as "Fifi and the Flowertots", "Peppa Pig" and "Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom".