Who was named the new host of Channel 4's Countdown?
Jeff Stelling new host of the Channel 4 game show "Countdown" following the departure of Des O'Connor. He had reportedly also been approached for the role following the death of long-time host Richard Whiteley, but the role was given to former fellow sports presenter Des Lynam instead. Stelling began recording "Countdown" in December 2008, with the show's new assistant Rachel Riley, and started broadcasting in January 2009. He also appears during an episode of "The IT Crowd" in the same role. However, it was announced on 25 May 2011 that Stelling would be stepping down as presenter of "Countdown" at the end
Channel 4 free-to-air and restarted broadcasting on digital terrestrial. Venturing into radio broadcasting, 2005 saw Channel 4 purchase 51% of shares in the now defunct Oneword radio station with UBC Media holding on to the remaining shares. New programmes such as the weekly, half-hour "The Morning Report" news programme were among some of the new content Channel 4 provided for the station, with the name 4Radio being used. As of early 2009, however, Channel 4's future involvement in radio remained uncertain. On 2 November 2007, the station celebrated its 25th birthday. It showed the first episode of "Countdown", an anniversary "Countdown" special,