Alias/Angel
The rights to both these series now lie with Five.  For scheduling information, viewers can call the Five duty office directly on 08457 050505.

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A Place in the Sun
To apply to take part in the next series call 0207 739 9357 or email aplaceinthesun@fftv.co.uk
Details of destinations are featured on the programme's website at: www.channel4.com/4homes

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About Channel 4
Channel 4, launched 2 November 1982, is a public service broadcaster, funded entirely from commercial revenue. 
Our first programme was Countdown hosted by Richard Whiteley and the first advertisement was for Vauxhall cars.
For details of the Channel's remit, statement of promises and an on-line annual report and accounts go to About Channel 4.

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BIG BROTHER
How can I find out more about Big Brother?
Please check the BIG BROTHER website at www.channel4.com/bigbrother
Why is the sound dipped on E4?
The E4 streaming from the Big Brother house is constantly viewed before transmission. This is so that we can check that all material for broadcast is in line with the channel's general viewing policy which is regulated by the ITC. To ensure that we have time to do this, E4's feed is broadcast with a 10 minute delay.
Why do we have gaps in sound?
The live streaming on E4 and C4 is a continuous 9-week transmission, quite unlike any other TV project ever seen. For us to be able to broadcast what is, in effect live, unscripted, unplanned action from the house, we have to be able to have a level of control over what goes out. Essentially, the gaps in sound are there to ensure that we do not broadcast anything that offends our viewers, contravenes ITC Guidelines or puts the channel/housemates in danger of libelling any individual or organisation.
Why are there more gaps in the daytime than later in the evening?
During daytime hours (5.30am-9pm) we have a duty to ensure that we do not broadcast language and behaviour that is unsuitable for children. After the watershed at 9pm we do not have to comply the feeds for daytime viewing, so we can leave in a lot more material.
Why are there still gaps in sound when I watch after 9pm?
Although we can broadcast most bad language, we still have to take out comments for legal or privacy reasons.
What are privacy reasons?
While the housemates have signed up to be on the programme, we have to be careful that we do not invade the privacy of people that they talk about who are not in the house. It would be unfair of us to broadcast unsubstantiated anecdotal material about people that are outside the house.
Why do we have to watch footage from the chicken pen?
Generally the chicken camera is used when we cannot show the housemates because their actions would be unsuitable for daytime viewing. This could be anything from them changing clothes to playing with knives. It might also be because they are using explicit language and it is clearly visible from their lip movements.
Surely the sound gaps are there to make viewers want to watch the C4 shows to catch the bits that they missed out on?
No. That would be ridiculous. They are there to protect our younger viewers, the housemates and the channel and without them we would not be able to broadcast this service.
Why have there been more gaps in sound than last year?
Actually there hasn't. We've looked at last year and found that there were more sound edits for the first two weeks than this time around. Our experience last time taught us that there are more gaps in the first few weeks because of the numbers of people in the house. As we evict housemates, the number of edits drops.
How do I get tickets for eviction night?
Tickets for Big Brother are being dealt with by Powerhouse.  Their telephone number is 0207 240 2828.
Will Big Brother be interactive on E4 in the Republic of Ireland this year?
Unfortunately not.  The way E4 is broadcast in the South of Ireland has been changed to offer more regional programming, therefore we are unable to offer this service on the satellite from which E4 is broadcast in this area.

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Bremner, Bird & Fortune: Between Iraq and a Hard Place
This programme isn't available commercially on video at the moment, but viewers can watch it online at www.channel4.com/news

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Channel 4 News
The Channel 4 news website www.channel4.com/news has lots of extra information including video clips, transcripts and links to other relevant websites.
By the way.  Jon Snow gets those ties from Victoria Richards, Clockwork Studios, 38 Southwell Road, London SE5 - tel: 0207 737 8009.

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Channel 4 Racing
The address for the team is Teddington Studios, Broom Road, Teddington Lock, Middlesex, TW11 9NT
Telephone: 0208 781 2770
E-mail: racing@channel4.com
TIPSTERS COMPETITION
To register your selections the number to call 09015 644 844

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Contestants/participants
When programme makers are looking for contestants or participants for shows, application details are either announced as part of the programme, posted on 4-tel page 350 or our website
Contestants interested in Countdown should write to: Countdown, Yorkshire Television Ltd, Television Centre, Leeds, LS3

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E4
Please contact your cable or digital provider for details of how to subscribe. Or check out the E4 website.

E4 premieres
First runs of US series such as FRIENDS and ER have been on Pay TV since 1996.   It makes much more sense for E4 and Channel 4 to share rights, rather than buy US series, market them, schedule them and then simply hand the benefits to another broadcaster.

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Fan mail
Channel 4 commissions or buys programmes but does not produce any itself.  Consequently, there are no celebrities working in our offices.  For this reason we are unable to forward emails directed to C4 talent and don't have access to pictures or autographs.  Have you tried searching the internet for more information about your favourite celebrity?

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Film cuts
Under current Ofcom guidelines, we must transmit the British Board of Film Classification home video version of a film, or face penalty and action from the ITC.  So, if the BBFC has cut a theatrical version of a film for home video distribution we must broadcast its version.
Unlike the BBC or ITV though, we do not normally edit the acquired feature films we transmit so that they ˜fit' into a particular time slot.  There are, however, rare occasions when we do edit films in order to comply with certain clauses in the ITC Guidelines, along with the other UK Broadcasters.  Our belief is that we should present, where possible under current broadcasting rule, the original cinematic work of a director/actor and not tamper with it ourselves, thus giving our cinematic films some distinction.  For more information on film go to http://www.channel4.com/film

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FilmFour
Film Four is a subscription film channel. Please contact your cable or digital provider for details of how to subscribe. Or check out the FilmFour website http://www.channel4.com/film

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Grand Designs
For details of all suppliers, and also lots of other useful information relating to this programme, please check the Grand Designs website.

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Jobs at Channel 
For details of vacancies within the Channel, please visit our website at: www.channel4.com/4careers

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Logos: why we have them
On-screen logos are very much a part of the multi-channel world and being competitive is tough. Channel 4 tries to maintain this competitiveness by making high quality programmes that people want to watch and also by establishing loyalty. The extent to which they are going to do this depends on whether they recall the good programmes they have seen in the past as having been on Channel 4. Hence the logo.
Judging by the response we have had from viewers, there is a small minority of people who feel the on-screen logo is obtrusive, which is unfortunate for both parties. Naturally, we do monitor the situation closely through research and the minute we find that the negative effect outweighs the positive then obviously we will remove the logo immediately.

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Music
For details of CDs released to accompany our programmes check out http://www.channel4.com/shop
Music used in programmes and trailers
Much of the music is especially commissioned and not commercially available.  For films and American series why not check the website for fan clubs.
Background music
For the majority of viewers, we hope that the background music chosen by the programme producers actually enhances enjoyment by creating atmosphere and mood.  However, we do appreciate that for some of you this is not the case.   If your enjoyment of a programme has been spoilt why not have your say on-line on thinkv.

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Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights
The first series is now available on video and DVD.  You can order it online from the Channel 4 shop www.channel4.com/shop or over the phone on 0870 1234 344. 

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Presenters/actors
We don't produce our own programmes at Channel 4. This means that we will not have any vacancies for production staff i.e camera operators, researchers or runners etc. For the same reason we would not be involved in hiring actors or extras. For details of current vacancies try jobs@4.com
Alternatively, your local library may hold publications of The Stage and Broadcast which both carry job advertisements.

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Programme Ideas
We would advise you that Channel 4 do not make the programmes we transmit but commission or purchase them from independent production companies and distributors.  Additionally, we will consider unsolicited programme ideas and scripts as long as they conform to the following criteria. Please take a look at our producer's website www.channel4.co.uk/4producers
Programme suggestions should give a clear idea of your aims and how you envisage the programme.  A one or two page proposal is sufficient in the beginning and a budget is not necessary.  However, sometimes a ball park figure is useful. All scripts must be submitted in typed script format and addressed to the Commissioning Editor of the department to which your proposal is best suited.   Our Commissioning Editors are responsible for the following areas:
ARTS & RELIGION; CHILDREN'S & YOUNG PEOPLE; COMEDY; DAYTIME; DOCUMENTARIES; DRAMA; EDUCATION; ENTERTAINMENT; FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT; FEATURES; HISTORY; INDEPENDENT FILM & VIDEO; MULTICULTURAL; MUSIC & PERFORMANCE; MUSIC & YOUTH; NATIONS & REGIONS; NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS; SCIENCE; SPECIALIST FACTUAL; SPORT
Alternatively, you could approach an independent production company with your outline and persuade them to help develop the idea.  The television trade newspaper, BROADCAST, publishes a directory called 'The Production Guide' which lists names and addresses of independent production companies.  The British Film Institute also publishes a Year Book which lists production companies. PACT (Producer's Alliance for Cinema and Television) publish a handbook with details of their membership which is made up from independent production companies.

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Red Dot
On 20th November 2002 we launched Four Active, our permanent interactive service behind both Channel 4 and E4 on the Sky Digital platform. The service provides viewers with additional information on Channel 4 and E4 programming as well as other programme related interactive services such as those currently for Celebrity Big Brother. Additionally viewers have the opportunity to play games, send emails and access other interactive content such as TV banking and retail provided by Sky Active. Four Active can be accessed via the red button on the viewer's satellite remote control and to inform viewers of the new service we broadcast an interactive icon on the digital satellite platform. The icon is removed during commercial breaks in accordance with ITC regulations. While we are sensitive to the need to minimise on screen clutter (the icon is a small red dot which can be removed by pressing the back up button), we do believe that it is important to inform all our viewers of the additional content they can access by using the on-screen prompt. Channel 4 take the issues relating the use of interactive services and children very seriously and we strictly adhere to the guidelines set out by the ITC on this and all other issues pertaining to interactive television services.

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Richard&Judy
Richard & Judy are back, Monday to Friday from 5 until 6.  There is lots of extra information about items featured, including useful phone numbers, competition details and a viewers forum on their website www.channel4.com/richard&judy.
You can email the team here.

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The Salon 
The Salon has closed for business, no further series are planned at the present time.

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Student Projects 
We get a huge volume of requests from students for information on their chosen project/assignment.  We simply don't have the time or resources to answer individual enquiries but you may find the following useful:
Information regarding animation, filmmakers etc: The British Film Institute, 21 Stephen Street, London W1P 1PL http://www.bfi.org.uk/ (The BFI also offers viewing facilities whereby some programmes are recorded from the terrestrial channels and then made available to the public to view on the premises. Telephone 0207 255 1444 for details).
Information regarding violence/censorship/strong language/ITC guidelines etc: ITC (Independent Television Commission), 33 Foley Street, London W1P 7LB http://www.itc.org.uk/ (The ITC library holds a unique and comprehensive range of material on broadcasting in the UK and abroad including a large collection of periodicals, trade magazines and press cuttings, as well as research reports, ratings information, books and pamphlets. Telephone 0207 255 3000 for opening hours.)
Information regarding viewing figures: BARB (British Audience Research Board) Glenthorne House, Hammersmith Grove, London W5 0ND http://www.barb.co.uk/
Information regarding Channel 4 news:%20ITN (Independent Television News) Ltd, 200 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8XZ http://www.channel4.com/news/
Your own school/college library may have a section on the subject of television and broadcasting where you will find some of the many publications and professional directories that are published annually.
Additionally, the television trade newspaper, Broadcast, is available from newsagents.

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Subtitles
How to find out which programmes are subtitled
We supply the magazines, newspapers, text and on-line services with a list of the programmes we intend to subtitle. The letter T for text or S for subtitled are normally used to indicate that a programme is subtitled.
You can also find listings on  Telelext page 119· 4Tel page 404· www.channel4.com· Sky's EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) Now & Next' information on Digital Terrestrial Television 
How to get subtitles
You must have a television which is capable of receiving teletext. To view select Text and then page 888. If you have cable or digital television or a set top box follow the instructions provided.
Recording subtitles
Unfortunately, only a minority of video recorders are capable of recording subtitles so before buying one make sure it is one of those that does.
Problems with subtitles
Occasionally we are not able to subtitle the programmes we had hoped to.  This can be due to technical problems or the unexpectedly late delivery of a programme. We do understand how frustrating this is and we always try to fix the problem as quickly as possible.  Most problems with subtitles are caused by poor reception. Subtitles are affected before the pictures and one channel may be affected when others are not.  If the defective channel is on the highest frequency, as for example with Channel 4 at Nottingham, then early deterioration in the aerial installation (including aerial amplifiers) usually causes that channel to suffer before the others. 
Also reflections from, say, a new building can selectively cause reduced effective field strength at the aerial on any frequency - just a matter of chance. Always check the cables and adjust your aerial.
If one aerial serves more than one television, you may need to get a reputable aerial supplier to check your installation.
Cable: if you are not receiving subtitles, then your decoder box may not be set up correctly, or it may be faulty. If you are sure that you have followed all the instructions supplied with the cable decoder box, then you should contact local cable operator.
Business to Business information
Channel 4 has an extensive catalogue of subtitles files (closed captions) available for sale.  There are files for most programmes broadcast over the last 20 years on Channel 4 including feature films and acquired programmes as well as Channel 4's own programmes.

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Talking over the end credits?
It is an unfortunate reality that television audiences fall dramatically when credits start to roll and in the increasingly competitive multi-channel environment, all channels are under pressure to retain viewers.  We have to use every opportunity at our disposal to let our viewers know what is on offer in subsequent schedules.  An announcement over the end credits of a programme is an effective means of keeping our viewers informed and reduces the likelihood of their switching over.  When we do schedule announcements during credits, we try to ensure that they are appropriate to the programme and remain sensitive to the context of the programme or film's ending.

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Tickets
The tickets page http://www.channel4.com/tickets.html has details of all shows looking for audiences.

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TV Listings
Programme listings are sent to press two weeks in advance of transmission for Channel 4 and one month for FilmFour and E4. Until schedules are released to the press, the information is sensitive and embargoed.
So, if you can't find details of your favourite programme in your TV listing magazine, 4-Tel or on our website it is not scheduled and we are unable to confirm when it will be.
Deciding when to schedule programmes is one of the most difficult tasks we undertake as our viewers all lead different lifestyles and want to watch television at different times. Our scheduling team do either best to assess a programme's content and judge from experience the most suitable time for transmission.
There are certain rules laid down for us by the Independent Television Commission (ITC) within which we have to work. For example, we take a certain amount of responsibility for children viewing before 9.00pm and schedule programmes accordingly - after 9.00pm this responsibility is passed to parents/guardians.
Whilst we do make every effort to adhere to our published schedules, if we incur a legal problem, a live broadcast overruns or, a major news story breaks, there will be last minute changes. While we understand this is frustrating, such flexibility is a necessity if the Channel is to remain a pro-active force.

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Videos/DVDs (Channel 4)
Channel 4 videos and DVD's commercially available can be purchased at the Channel 4 Shop.
For videos of schools programmes go to www.channel4.com/learning.
If the video or DVD you want is not available through the Channel 4 shop, the programme has not been released through Channel 4 Video or any other distributor.  As we are sure you can appreciate, we receive hundreds of calls and emails requesting copies of programmes that were not released commercially, therefore, Channel 4's policy is that we do not send out one-off copies.

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