Janine Thomas: The Inspiring Journey of a Channel 4 Commissioning Editor
In the vibrant world of British television, where factual storytelling meets cutting-edge creativity, one name that continues to shine brightly is Janine Thomas. With a career spanning almost a decade in documentary and factual programming, she has established herself as a respected figure within the UK media landscape. Currently serving as the Commissioning Editor – UNTOLD, News & Current Affairs for Channel 4, Janine is a BAFTA member whose work reflects her passion for powerful narratives, diverse voices, and groundbreaking formats. From her early beginnings at Channel 4, through her impactful time at Sky, and back again to one of the UK’s most important broadcasters, her professional journey is a story of dedication, vision, and leadership.
This article explores the career, education, and achievements of Janine Thomas, highlighting her growth across multiple roles, her educational foundation, and her present role at Channel 4 where she continues to shape the future of factual storytelling.
Janine Thomas: A Career Defined by Storytelling
Early Beginnings at Channel 4
Janine Thomas first joined Channel 4 in 2014 as a Genre Assistant in Formats, Daytime, Music & Education. This role was a foundation for her career, allowing her to immerse herself in multiple genres of content and understand the breadth of programming in one of Britain’s most innovative broadcasters.
By 2016, her hard work and eye for detail had seen her promoted to Programme Coordinator for Documentaries. Over the next two years, she played an instrumental role in coordinating documentary productions that explored human stories with depth and honesty.
In 2018, she became Assistant Editor – Documentaries, further cementing her reputation as someone with both the creative and organisational abilities required to succeed in commissioning and production. For nearly three years in this role, she supported projects that offered fresh perspectives and engaged with underrepresented voices, something that would later define much of her commissioning philosophy.
Transition to Sky
In March 2021, Janine made the move to Sky UK, joining as Assistant Commissioning Editor – Factual. This was a significant turning point in her career. At Sky, she was responsible for helping to bring some of the broadcaster’s most ambitious factual projects to life.
Her work included greenlighting and supporting content across genres such as documentaries, crime, and nature. During her nearly two-year tenure at Sky, Janine worked on projects that demonstrated both her adaptability and her commitment to compelling factual content. She ensured that the productions carried Sky’s signature style while remaining authentic and impactful.
Her contribution to Sky’s factual slate reflected her growing ability to balance creativity with editorial rigour, preparing her for her eventual return to Channel 4 in a more senior position.
Return to Channel 4: Commissioning Editor
In January 2023, Janine Thomas returned to Channel 4 as Commissioning Editor for Untold, News & Current Affairs. This role marked the culmination of nearly a decade of experience in factual commissioning and documentary production.
As Commissioning Editor, she is at the forefront of developing and greenlighting content for Untold, a strand that focuses on youth-oriented journalism and investigative storytelling. The aim of Untold is to provide audiences—particularly younger viewers—with fresh perspectives on social issues, politics, culture, and identity. Under her editorial vision, Untold strives to blend powerful factual journalism with formats that resonate with digital-first audiences.
Her role requires her to juggle multiple responsibilities: nurturing new talent, balancing budgets, ensuring editorial compliance, and above all, delivering programming that reflects the realities of modern Britain. As a BAFTA member, she is part of a respected community of creatives committed to upholding high standards in film and television.
Education: The Foundation of a Storyteller
University of Manchester
Janine studied at The University of Manchester, where she earned a BA (Hons) in Commercial Music Production. This academic background gave her both a creative and technical understanding of production processes, laying the groundwork for her later career in television. Her time at university instilled in her the ability to approach projects with both analytical precision and artistic flair.
Further Training
Committed to continuous professional development, Janine pursued additional training in 2020. She attended the National Film & Television School, undertaking a Self Shooting course, which honed her technical abilities in camera work and production.
She also enrolled at MetFilm School, completing a short course in Documentary Filmmaking. These experiences provided her with a more hands-on understanding of the filmmaking process, enhancing her ability to support and guide the filmmakers she would later commission.
This blend of academic grounding and practical training has been crucial in shaping her as a commissioning editor who understands both the creative and technical sides of production.
Janine Thomas at Channel 4: A Champion of Diverse Voices
Untold: Amplifying New Perspectives
At Channel 4, Janine’s work on Untold demonstrates her commitment to giving a platform to diverse voices and untold stories. She supports programmes that challenge conventional narratives, reflect the realities of young people in Britain, and tackle pressing social issues.
Her editorial strategy centres on authenticity and representation. By commissioning films and series that reflect communities often overlooked in mainstream media, she ensures that Channel 4 remains true to its remit of serving minority audiences and pushing creative boundaries.
Encouraging Emerging Talent
Another vital part of Janine’s work is her dedication to supporting emerging filmmakers. Having herself progressed through entry-level roles at Channel 4, she understands the challenges faced by those starting out in the industry. Through strands like First Cut and now Untold, she provides opportunities for new talent to develop their skills and gain exposure.
This focus on talent development ensures a healthy pipeline of fresh voices and innovative ideas, sustaining the future of British factual programming.
Janine Thomas Sky: A Legacy of Ambitious Factual Content
Janine’s time at Sky was relatively short but undeniably impactful. She demonstrated her ability to navigate the commissioning landscape of a major broadcaster outside of Channel 4, bringing fresh energy to Sky’s factual programming.
Her contributions included overseeing projects that highlighted pressing issues in crime and nature, while also supporting ambitious documentaries that pushed creative boundaries. The experience at Sky broadened her editorial outlook, giving her an understanding of different commissioning environments, which she has since brought back to Channel 4.
The BAFTA Connection
Being a BAFTA member is a significant professional milestone. It reflects Janine’s recognition within the UK’s television and film industry as a creative leader and tastemaker. Membership provides her with access to industry networks, screening opportunities, and a platform to contribute to the future direction of British screen industries.
Her BAFTA involvement also signifies her role as a mentor and leader, supporting the industry’s drive for inclusivity, innovation, and excellence.
Life in London: At the Heart of Media
Based in London, England, Janine Thomas works at the heart of the UK’s media industry. London’s cultural diversity and status as a global media hub provide the perfect backdrop for her work in commissioning stories that reflect contemporary Britain.
Her career path illustrates the opportunities available in the capital, but also the challenges of operating in one of the most competitive media environments in the world.
Conclusion
Janine Thomas is more than just a commissioning editor; she is a storyteller, a champion of diversity, and a leader in British factual television. From her early days at Channel 4 to her impactful time at Sky and her current senior role as Commissioning Editor for Untold, News & Current Affairs, she has consistently proven her ability to balance editorial creativity with professional discipline.
Her educational background at the University of Manchester, complemented by specialist training at the National Film & Television School and MetFilm School, has given her the tools to thrive in one of the most demanding industries. As a BAFTA member and a respected commissioning editor, she continues to shape the landscape of British television by amplifying voices that matter and stories that resonate.
In a rapidly changing media environment, the career of Janine Thomas stands as a testament to perseverance, vision, and the power of storytelling.
