Channel 4 appoints commissioning editor for Current Affairs new Youth Strand

24 February 2022

Channel 4 has appointed Debbie Ramsay as Commissioning Editor, Current Affairs for the brand-new youth strand launching in the late summer of 2022.  It will be a digital first/All 4 proposition – with linear slots following.  The strand, title tbc, is part of the Channel 4’s effort to bolster the range of programmes reflecting the lives and interests of younger viewers.  Debbie will be reporting to Louisa Compton, Head of News and Current Affairs and Specialist Factual and Sport.

The youth programming will seek to maintain the remit-defining, noisy and bold journalism for which Dispatches and the wider current affairs department has won both headlines and major awards. But the absolute focus of this strand will be to produce films that speak to younger viewers on the subjects they care about, fronted by diverse and authentic voices from across the UK. It will aim to find new talent, and to expand the already strong pool of production companies that currently supply content to the wider department.

In Debbie’s current role as Executive News Editor, Commissioning UK, which started in July 2021,  she has been responsible for leading the way on the key change of BBC’s radical modernising news programme with commissioning the lynch pin between content producers and output programmes and digital content.  Previously she was Head of Journalism – Youth Programmes, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra Newsbeat, as well as Deputy Editor & Planning Editor BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra Newsbeat Sept 2013 - Oct 2015 and has more than a decade worth of experience working with youth audiences.  Other positions also at the BBC have included Commissioning Editor of current affairs audio documentaries for BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Debbie Ramsay said: “I have always loved Channel 4 – it’s edginess and ambition in all types of programming including the way it tells stories in news and current affairs. I’m excited to be part of that ambition and drive to serve younger and more diverse audiences and can’t wait to tap in to all that talent and creativity that I know is out there.”

Louisa Compton, Head of News Current Affairs and Specialist Factual and Sport added:   “I’m delighted to be working with Debbie again. Her passion for youth audiences combined with real drive and ambition mean we’re going to launch the new youth series in the best possible hands.”

For further information, please contact:

Steve Rosier