Justin King, one of Britain's most prominent businessmen, is in the frame to become the next head of Channel 4, the state-owned broadcaster.

Sky News has learnt that Mr King is among the contenders to replace Sir Ian Cheshire as Channel 4 chairman.

A Whitehall source said on Monday that the former J Sainsbury chief executive - who now chairs companies including Allwyn, the National Lottery operator, and Ovo Energy - had been shortlisted for the post and was expected to be interviewed for it this month.

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It was unclear who else remained in contention for the Channel 4 post, although the government insider suggested Debbie Wosskow, who already sits on the broadcaster's board, had also made it to the shortlist.

The status of a number of other reported candidates - including Tristia Clarke, the former TalkTalk boss - could not be established on Monday.

If chosen, Mr King would be the latest in a string of heavyweight names to take the post, following the likes of Sir Ian and Luke Johnson, the hospitality entrepreneur.

Mr King also sits on the board of Marks & Spencer, as well as a number of privately owned companies.

Sir Ian stepped down earlier this year after just one three-year term in the role.

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The Channel 4 chairmanship is currently held on an interim basis by Dawn Airey, the media industry executive who has occupied top jobs at companies including ITV, Yahoo! and Channel 5.

The race to lead the state-owned broadcaster's board has acquired additional importance since the resignation of Alex Mahon, its long-serving chief executive.

At the weekend, Broadcast, the trade publication, reported that Alex Burford, another Channel 4 non-executive director and the boss of Warner Records UK, was interested in replacing Ms Mahon.

Ms Mahon, who was a vocal opponent of the last Conservative government's proposed privatisation of Channel 4, is leaving to join Superstruct, a private equity-owned live entertainment company.

The appointment of a new chair is expected to take place by the autumn, with the chosen candidate expected to lead the recruitment of Ms Mahon's successor.

Recruitment to the board of Channel 4 is technically led by Ofcom, the media regulator, in agreement with Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary.

The Channel 4 search is taking place at a time when the BBC is under growing pressure from Ms Nandy over its decision not to curb the broadcasting of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury Festival set, in which the band called for the death of Israeli armed forces.

Channel 4 declined to comment.