Alisa Pomeroy has emerged as one of the most influential figures in British television, particularly in the world of factual programming and documentaries. As the Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment at Channel 4, she has led a revolution in storytelling, commissioning powerful narratives that spark public discourse and push creative boundaries. Her vision is defined by a deep commitment to authenticity, social relevance, and the long-form observational approach that has set Channel 4 apart from other broadcasters and streaming giants.
Early Career and Rise in the Television Industry
Before reaching the senior echelons of Channel 4, Alisa Pomeroy built her career across a variety of production roles that honed her editorial instincts and creative leadership. Her professional journey includes stints at the BBC, Talkback Thames, Shine, The Garden, Films of Record, and Landmark Films. These experiences spanned genres and formats, from current affairs to observational documentaries, giving her a well-rounded foundation in the dynamics of UK television production.
In 2015, she joined Channel 4 as a Commissioning Editor for Documentaries. Her impact was immediate. Pomeroy quickly became known for backing bold, often controversial content that drew public interest and media headlines. Her editorial courage and consistent delivery of high-quality programming led to her promotion to Senior Commissioning Editor, and eventually to her current role as the Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment.
Defining a New Era at Channel 4
Alisa Pomeroy stepped into her current leadership role during a pivotal time for Channel 4. In 2022, the network restructured its factual programming departments, splitting the responsibilities of the former head of factual into two distinct domains. Pomeroy was entrusted with documentaries and factual entertainment, reflecting her unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional observational storytelling and entertainment-driven formats.
This shift allowed her to curate a strategic slate focused on what she describes as “premium factual content.” Under her stewardship, Channel 4 has embraced long-term access documentaries, headline-making one-offs, and innovative factual-ent hybrids designed to compete in the age of streaming.
Philosophy: Bold, Observational, and Impactful
At the heart of Alisa Pomeroy’s commissioning philosophy lies a simple but powerful question: Would I choose this documentary over a gripping drama? This mindset drives her to back stories with strong narrative arcs, emotionally resonant characters, and the kind of tension usually reserved for fictional thrillers. But unlike drama, her documentaries carry the raw power of real life.
Pomeroy believes that the strength of a documentary lies in its ability to inform, move, and provoke. Her projects typically focus on timely issues, social justice, and unexplored institutional narratives. The long-form observational format is central to her vision. By allowing filmmakers to embed themselves within environments over months or even years, she ensures that stories develop organically, giving viewers a front-row seat to the unfolding drama of real human lives.
Notable Projects and Their Impact
One of Pomeroy’s most acclaimed commissions is Undercover Police: Hunting Paedophiles, a deeply unsettling yet essential documentary that took over three years to make. The film offered unprecedented access into the covert operations of British police officers working to catch online predators. Its reception was overwhelmingly positive, with critics and viewers alike praising its unflinching approach and ethical depth.
Another standout series is To Catch a Copper, which aired in 2024 and captured the attention of a nation. With a tone reminiscent of Line of Duty, the series followed internal affairs investigations within British policing, revealing a side of law enforcement rarely seen by the public. Its success led to the commissioning of a second series, solidifying it as one of Channel 4’s flagship factual properties.
In Merseyside Detectives, Pomeroy delivered another hit by diving deep into a local police department with unprecedented access. The series garnered impressive streaming figures and was notable for its high viewer retention across all episodes. These successes underline Pomeroy’s ability to spot stories that not only resonate with audiences but also stand up to intense public scrutiny.
Documentaries with Purpose
Beyond entertainment and engagement, Pomeroy’s work reflects a strong commitment to social responsibility. Her documentaries often shine a light on the lives of those on the margins of society—victims of injustice, underrepresented communities, or frontline workers. This purposeful approach has helped Channel 4 maintain its public service ethos, even as the broadcasting landscape becomes more commercial and competitive.
By focusing on themes that matter—race, inequality, justice, mental health, immigration—Pomeroy ensures that her programming does more than attract ratings. It sparks conversations. It challenges perceptions. It informs public opinion.
Challenges in a Changing Industry
The UK television industry has faced considerable upheaval in recent years. Budget cuts, declining linear viewership, and the relentless expansion of global streaming platforms have made it harder for public service broadcasters like Channel 4 to retain relevance. Amid these challenges, Alisa Pomeroy has stood out for her refusal to compromise on quality or mission.
Despite a significant drop in the commissioning of new unscripted content during 2023–2024, Pomeroy remained committed to nurturing long-term documentary projects. Her belief in investing time and trust in filmmakers has led to projects that mature over years rather than months, ensuring depth, nuance, and storytelling power.
Innovating with Hybrid Formats
While Pomeroy is a staunch defender of the classic documentary form, she is also open to innovation. She has championed a series of factual-entertainment hybrids that merge the emotional weight of documentaries with the pacing and structure of reality television. Projects like The Jury: Murder Trial and Go Back to Where You Came From blend ethical questions with engaging formats, drawing in younger audiences without diluting the message.
This innovation allows Channel 4 to compete effectively with streaming services by offering unique content that cannot be easily replicated. It also reflects Pomeroy’s understanding of evolving audience tastes and viewing habits.
A Leader Who Backs Talent
Behind every successful documentary is a team of creative individuals—directors, producers, editors, and journalists. Alisa Pomeroy is widely respected in the industry for her collaborative approach and her commitment to nurturing new talent. She provides filmmakers with both the editorial freedom and institutional support they need to tell compelling stories.
She is also a vocal advocate for diversity in storytelling. Her commissioning brief actively seeks voices from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that the content on Channel 4 reflects the full breadth of British society. This inclusive strategy is more than a policy—it is woven into the fabric of her leadership.
The Future of Factual Programming
Looking ahead, Alisa Pomeroy is poised to continue reshaping the factual landscape. Her focus on multi-year precinct access series, authentic narratives, and issue-driven content positions Channel 4 as a key player in a media environment increasingly dominated by global platforms. As audiences become more sophisticated and demand higher standards, her insistence on storytelling excellence will remain a competitive advantage.
Her leadership is not just about commissioning television. It’s about building a cultural archive of modern Britain—its complexities, contradictions, and courage.
Conclusion
Alisa Pomeroy is more than a commissioning editor—she is a curator of modern narratives, a champion of truth, and a protector of the documentary form. Her work at Channel 4 has redefined what factual television can achieve. With a fearless approach to storytelling, a strong sense of purpose, and a keen eye for talent, she continues to inspire the industry and captivate audiences.
In an era of fleeting content and fast consumption, Pomeroy proves that substance, when delivered with craft and integrity, still reigns supreme.
