Sarah Muller appointed Head of Children’s, Channel 5
Skwigly
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has announced the appointment of Sarah Muller as Head of Children’s at Channel 5. Muller will be responsible for the commissioning and acquisition of children’s programming for Channel 5 and will also oversee the popular programming strand, Milkshake! Driving children’s content across Channel 5’s linear and digital platforms as well as in-market events, Muller will report to Channel 5’s Chief Operating Officer, Paul Dunthorne and General Manager of Nickelodeon UK & Ireland, Alison Bakunowich. Muller will begin her new position on 21st November.
Sarah has a wealth of experience in the children’s television industry across both live action and animation and her expertise will help us grow Milkshake into the leading pre-school destination for British families. 2016 has been one of the most successful years in Channel 5’s and Milkshake’s history and we are confident that with Sarah’s appointment, the pre-school strand will continue to go from strength to strength.
-Paul Dunthorne, Channel 5’s Chief Operating Officer
Sarah Muller, Head of CBBC Aquisitions and Drama Development (BBC 2010)
Currently BBC Creative Director – Scripted, Animation, Co-Production & Feature Film, Sarah Muller is a passionate advocate of UK children’s content and has developed projects including Danger Mouse, Strange Hill High, Harriet’s Army, Wolfblood, The Dumping Ground and Just William. Before her tenure at CBBC Sarah was Managing Director at Elephant Productions. Also a producer, Muller’s credits include the multi-award winning, ratings success Grizzly Tales For Gruesome Kids (CITV). She also developed the BAFTA-winning drama series The War Diaries of Alastair Fury (BBC1).
I am thrilled to be joining Channel 5. To helm children’s content on the network is a huge opportunity. Milkshake is a beloved block for UK families and I cannot wait to begin working with the programming team on elevating the brand across multiple platforms and enhancing the Channel 5 children’s offering.
-Sarah Muller
Muller joins Channel 5 as Milkshake enjoys its most successful year for share of viewing with the block delivering year-on-year increases in share for all kids 4-15, kids 4-9, home with kids and home with kids 0-3. The success is replicated across platforms; since October 2015, Milkshake VOD views have increased by 24%. With programming including PAW Patrol, Noddy, Toyland Detective, Peppa Pig and Wissper, Milkshake is the number one kid’s breakfast destination and will welcome the animated commission Winnie and Wilbur starring Bill Bailey and Katy Brand in 2017.