Channel 4 News has appointed former executive producer of the South Bank Show Matthew Cain to the new role of culture editor.
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ITN, which makes Channel 4 News, has announced that the South Bank Show’s former Executive Producer Matthew Cain is set to join the programme in the newly created role of Culture Editor. The on-screen role has been designed to provide creative leadership in recognition of the growing audience appetite for culture stories, and will cover all areas of the genre. The role will also be an important part of the channel’s commitment to championing culture.
Cain has been a leading figure in arts and culture television for over ten years and as Executive Producer and Director/Producer at the South Bank Show , Cain ‘s credits include films on Sam Taylor-Wood, Will Young, Michael Sheen, Ian McKellen, Carol Ann Duffy, Darcey Bussell, an authored film by Alison Jackson on Andy Warhol and an authored film by Claire Tomalin on Thomas Hardy. He also judged The South Bank Show Awards.
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Most recently he headed up the development team of the Specialist Factual and Arts Department at ITV Studios.
Cain will also join Channel 4’s Arts Board . Chaired byTabitha Jackson, Commissioning Editor for Arts, the Board will provide strategic oversight of cross-platform commissioning and patronage, and will include representatives from 4iP, Channel 4 Education, and Marketing .
Jim Gray, Editor of Channel 4 News says: ‘Matthew will bring dynamism and authority to Channel 4 News as Culture Editor. He has a terrific track record, and is bursting with energy to tackle a diverse agenda with the rigour, ambition and mischievous curiosity that defines Channel 4 News. I’m confident his remit, approach and character will give our culture coverage the stature it deserves.’
Matthew Cain, Culture Editor at Channel 4 News adds: ‘This newly created role, and Channel 4 News’ distinctive brand gives me a licence to tackle culture in the way I believe it should be covered. I’ve never been interested in a reverential, worthy approach to the arts but believe artists, subjects and the very concept of culture should be both challenged and explored . As Culture Editor I want to reflect this, whilst also boosting the frequency, profile and impact of our culture coverage.”
Dorothy Byrne, Head of News & Current Affairs at Channel 4 concludes: ‘This newly-created post is of great importance to Channel 4. In the past decade, the British public’s interest in the arts has exploded and, indeed the definition of what constitutes culture has been transformed. Matthew, through the creation of this role will reflect that upsurge in interest – and bring it to life for our audience.’
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