
Alex Mahon, the first female CEO of Channel 4, has announced her decision to step down from her role this summer, marking the end of a nearly eight-year tenure that saw the UK public broadcaster navigate through significant challenges and transformations. Under her leadership, Channel 4 successfully resisted two privatization attempts, transitioned into a digital-first public service streamer, and expanded its operations across the UK, all while maintaining its commitment to innovation and diversity in programming.
Mahon's departure comes at a time when Channel 4 is looking to build on its digital growth and continue its mission to represent and reflect the diversity of the UK. Her leadership was instrumental in the broadcaster's digital transformation, which included the creation of one of the largest social media brands in the UK and the delivery of market-leading digital growth. Channel 4's programming under Mahon's guidance, including critically acclaimed shows and films, has left an indelible mark on the UK's cultural landscape.
The search for Mahon's successor is underway, with Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan stepping in as interim CEO. The board is committed to ensuring that the next leader will uphold Channel 4's legacy of creativity, risk-taking, and public service. Mahon's tenure has set a high bar, with her efforts to champion fairness in the workplace, support for women's health and disability representation, and her unwavering commitment to challenging conventions and changing conversations.
As Channel 4 prepares to turn the page, the broadcaster's achievements under Alex Mahon's leadership serve as a testament to her vision and dedication. From landmark programming to digital innovation and a steadfast commitment to public service, Mahon's legacy will undoubtedly influence the future direction of Channel 4 and the broader UK media landscape.

Families of the 29 victims killed in the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash are escalating their decades-long fight for answers, preparing to deliver a petition with more than 47,000 signatures to Downing Street demanding a public inquiry. The Chinook Justice Campaign has published 110 "critical questions" they want answered about the tragedy that claimed the lives of 25 intelligence experts and four special forces crew members when the aircraft crashed on the Mull of Kintyre on June 2, 1994.
The campaign comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer rejected calls for a judge-led inquiry into the incident, prompting families to declare they will "see the UK government in court." Among those delivering the petition on Tuesday are brothers Andy and Matt Tobias from Watford, whose father John Tobias was killed in the crash. The petition delivery will be accompanied by an attempt to deliver a letter directly to the Ministry of Defence.
Central to the families' concerns are questions about mission authorization, aircraft selection, and whether those on board were properly warned of risks. The campaign has gained momentum amid revelations that key documents related to the crash have been sealed until 2094—a century after the incident occurred. David Hill, technical expert for the Chinook Justice Campaign, characterized the government's position as "a betrayal by the state of them and their loved ones."
The crash investigation has followed a contentious path over the past three decades. Initial findings blamed pilot error for the tragedy, but this conclusion was overturned in 2011. The continuing secrecy surrounding the incident has drawn criticism from campaigners who argue it "undermines trust not only in the MoD but in the government itself." As families prepare to confront the government directly, the case represents one of Britain's longest-running military accountability battles.