Big Fish with Spencer Matthews

S3 E9: Channel 5 boss Ben Frow on reaching the top of TV: ‘I’m riddled with insecurity, doubt and fear’

Ben Frow is the definition of a big fish in the TV world. He’s Paramount’s UK content chief - he’s responsible for all of their content in the UK, including being the boss of Channel 5.He’s known as an outsider in the TV world. He doesn’t have a degree, he’s not a member of any exclusive clubs and started his career as a stylist for Richard and Judy on This Morning. He worked his way to the top without ever applying for a job.He transformed Channel 5’s reputation and boosted its audience by commissioning more history, documentaries and drama and railed against an extremely snobby industry.In this conversation we talk about his fear of rejection and why he secretly quit his job last year due to burnout. If you’ve ever wanted an insider's perspective into the multi-billion pound TV industry, this is a must-listen.

From battling issues with drinking to founding the world's leading independent non-alcoholic spirits brand CleanCo, my story is one of resilience and reinvention. Now I'm on a mission to uncover the secrets of success from inspirational people who have made an incredible name for themselves. If like me you’re fascinated by how other people have developed a mindset for success, tune in each week so you can be inspired to unlock your full potential and become the best version of yourself.