Viacom International Media Networks has appointed Sarah Muller as Head of Children’s at Channel 5 in the UK. Muller will be responsible for commissioning and acquisition of linear and digital platform kids’ programming for Channel 5, and will oversee the preschool-targeted Milkshake! Block. She will report to Channel 5’s Chief Operating Officer, Paul Dunthorne, and General Manager of Nickelodeon UK & Ireland, Alison Bakunowich. Muller’s start date in the new role is November 21.
Muller is currently BBC Creative Director – Scripted, Animation, Co-Production & Feature Film, and has developed projects including animated series Danger Mouse and Strange Hill High, as well as live-action programs like Harriet’s Army and Wolfblood. Prior to CBBC, Muller was Managing Director at Elephant Productions. As a producer, her credits include the multi-award-winning Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids (CiTV). She also developed BAFTA-winning drama series The War Diaries of Alastair Fury (BBC1).
Milkshake is currently enjoying its most successful year for share of viewing, with the block delivering year-on-year increases with kids 4-15, kids 4-0, home with kids and home with kids 0-3. Since October 2015, Milkshake VOD views have increased 24%. Top programs include PAW Patrol, Noddy – Toyland Detective, Peppa Pig and Wissper, with new animation commission Winnie and Wilbur (starring Bill Bailey and Katy Brand) coming in 2017.
