In 2007, More4 consolidated its reputation as the first place to see the best of UK and international factual material and, in this anniversary year, reminded viewers of Channel 4's unique inventory of quality programmes from the past. With a monthly reach of 17m (compared with BBC4's 13.5m) and a healthy 24% share of 16 to 34-year-old viewers, it enjoyed a solid year of growth, and earned its place in the top 10 performing digital channels for ABC1 adults. More4's distinctive offer provided an intelligent oasis in a raucous digital world, premiering arts events and the work of distinguished film-makers from the UK and abroad. The True Stories strand of international documentaries, hypothetical drama The Trial of Tony Blair, a new all-star production of Harold Pinter's Celebration, the critically-acclaimed premiere of music film War Oratorio and a selection from Channel 4's 25-year archive, all made More4 a distinctive and distinguished adjunct to the core channel.
A highlight of the year was the television premiere of Nick Broomfield's Film4 drama-documentary feature Ghosts. Using a largely non-professional cast, it was inspired by the story of the Chinese migrant workers who drowned as they picked cockles in Morecambe Bay in February 2004. Its powerful message about the global implications and human cost of cheap imported labour moved audiences and critics. To add poignant authenticity, many of the cast had first-hand experience as migrant workers. Ai Qin Lin, who played the central role after first arriving in Britain as an illegal immigrant, wanted the film to make a lasting impression on the UK audience: “Maybe Ghosts will help the British people understand us. I hope so.”
