2.1 The Freedom of Information Act at Channel 4

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 ('the Act') was passed on 30th November 2000 and came into force in January 2005. The Act gives the public a right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, but it also sets out various exemptions from that right.

Under the Act, Channel 4 is only required to make available information held for the purposes other than those of journalism, art or literature. This means that the Act does not apply to information concerning, relating to, or closely associated with Channel 4's creative output. For example, information which relates to Channel 4's programming or our multimedia and interactive output would not be covered by the Act. Of course, we will continue to make a massive amount of information about our programmes available on our website as before.

If you want to look more closely at the Act, you can view it online at the HMSO website at hmso.gov.uk

The Information Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the Act. More information can be found at informationcommissioner.gov.uk

2.2 Our Freedom of Information Policy Statement

Channel 4 Television Corporation is committed to openness of information as defined by the Freedom Of Information Act 2000. Channel 4 therefore recognises its duty to maintain the high standards of record keeping that document its principal activities. The Channel will therefore make available information, as described in the Publication Scheme, that is deemed non-exempt and of public interest.