Next on 4
Introduction
In June 2007 Andy Duncan, CEO, Channel 4 Television announced that Channel 4 had embarked on a major review of its role and purposes as a public service broadcaster for the digital age. This has been a hugely important project for Channel 4, the most thorough and far-reaching review of the organisation's fundamental raison d'etre since the original debates about the establishment of a fourth channel in the late 1970s. It has been informed by extensive consultation and discussion with a wide range of stakeholders, including policy makers, opinion formers, producers and, most importantly of all, viewers.
The review follows the outcome of the financial analysis of Channel 4 conducted by Ofcom in conjunction with economic consultants LEK which confirmed that, without a new model of public support, growing competitive pressures on Channel 4 would begin to undermine its ability to deliver its remit as digital switchover approaches. The conclusions from Channel 4's own review will help to inform the Government and Ofcom processes taking place this year to examine the future of public service broadcasting beyond the BBC.
Channel 4 is a unique institution that does remarkable things, a fact recognised by the wider industry both nationally and on the international stage. There is a compelling case for it to continue to play a critical public service role, alongside the BBC, in the digital age. The vision set out here is bold and ambitious, building on Channel 4's historic strengths, demonstrating the distinctive role Channel 4 can continue to play in a digital world.
Read the Executive Summary
Read the Full Report
Next on 4
What we do
Channel 4 is different. It takes creative risks that others avoid. It offers fresh perspectives for a diverse society. And it does it on a big enough scale to make a difference, not just to British media, but to Britain itself.
- To nurture new talent and original ideas
- To champion alternative voices and fresh perspectives
- To challenge people to see the world differently
- To inspire change in people's lives
- Channel 4 will continue to offer something for everyone some of the time, just as it does today, but will further enhance its strong connection with young and diverse audiences
- Channel 4 will fulfil its public role on the core channel, across its portfolio of digital TV channels and across digital media - becoming a "public service network"
- We will make more room for new programmes, new talent and new voices
- We will seek out, train and develop the widest and most diverse range of talent
- We will continue to work in partnership with the independent production sector, providing additional support for smaller, start-up and regional producers
- We will pioneer a new cross-platform approach to deliver educational and schools content, along with a new pilot fund for creative output aimed at older children
- We will create a major new pilot fund, 4IP, to support public service content in digital media. This bold and exciting partnership will invest up to £50 million in content and services over the next two years, with project leaders based around the UK
- Remaining an independent not-for-profit organisation, funded primarily in the marketplace, with public support that does not exceed the historic value of gifted analogue spectrum
- Maintaining the scale and ambition to deliver impact by reaching large audiences, drawing them to content and services through our strong brand and marketing expertise
- Protecting our publisher-broadcaster status through a rights model with the independent production sector that reflects Channel 4's unique position
- Playing a leading role in celebrating and promoting diversity, both on and off-screen
- Marking a new era in our relationship with audiences by enhancing public accountability and encouraging viewer participation across all our output
