Factual, Entertainment exec Jim Buchan quits Foxtel.

Jim Buchan, General Manager Factual + General Entertainment at Foxtel has resigned, after 23 years with the company.

“After a remarkable 23-and-a-half-year journey, this experience has been nothing short of amazing, filled with unforgettable moments, outstanding teams, and incredible achievements,” he said.

“Throughout the years, I’ve had the honour of leading six channel brand launches, countless content acquisitions, driving local commissions, and executing effective marketing, publicity, and Ad Sales campaigns. These successes were made possible by the invaluable support and collaboration of talented colleagues and partners.

“Some of my most cherished accomplishments include launching the world’s first 24-hour true crime channel, Crime + Investigation, in 2005, where TV Logie Awards were won for groundbreaking local commissions: Kings Cross ER: St Vincent’s Hospital and Ron Iddles: The Good Cop.

“Commissioning long-lasting series franchises that have withstood the test of time in Crime Investigation Australia and Crimes That Shook Australia have been incredible to witness.

“The launch of a Biography channel (Bio) that ran for 14 years. The launch of A&E in 2012, a channel that would go on to produce several first-of-their-kind male-skewing local reality series, including Mega Truckers, Aussie Pickers, Pawn Stars Australia and Demolition Man series that were also seen by international audiences.

“More recent highlights include (FOX) Docos and Real Life channels that have driven continued audience and Ad sales growth in challenging times.

“Aside from true crime, my passion has always been aligned to The History Channel, where locally acclaimed commissions were realised like The Battle of Long Tan, the first series hosted Sir Tony Robinson, 4 series of Coast Australia with Neil Oliver, The Pacific: In the Wake of Captain Cook with Sam Neill, and Aussie Inventions That Changed the World, to name a few.

“Throughout my time at Foxtel, learning to master content curation in order to capture audience’s attention through key acquisitions has brought me immense joy and satisfaction. It’s the industry contacts and long lasting friendships formed during these collaborations that I treasure the most.

“As I reflect on my time at Foxtel, I am eternally grateful for the exceptional individuals I have had the pleasure of working alongside. I extend my deepest appreciation to all of you.

“So here ends a special time for me. It’s now time for new challenges.”

His departure comes at a time of upcoming channel changes in Factual, History and more.

A successor is yet to be announced.