Help and information about our TV channels
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If you have either Freeview or satellite you can watch Channel 4 in Wales. You’ll find us on channel 117 and our HD channel on 140 with Sky and on channel 7 via Freeview.
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Commercially released Channel 4 titles can be purchased via DVD retailers. For videos/DVDs of our Learning/Education programmes click here.
If the video or DVD you want is not available through the Channel 4 store or another retailer, then the programme has not been released either by Channel 4 or any other distributor and is therefore not available for purchase. As we are sure you can appreciate, we receive hundreds of calls and e-mails requesting copies of programmes, therefore, Channel 4’s policy is that we do not provide one-off copies. However, you might be able to watch the programme again on line via our on demand Service, All 4 – click here.
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You can catch-up with the last 7 days reports on the Channel 4 News site - CLICK HERE to browse.
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Channel 4 originated transmissions provide for three aspect ratios: 4:3, 16:9 that is safe for 14:9 viewing and 16:9. Using a 4:3 TV to view a 4:3 aspect ratio transmission is straight forward. When a 4:3 TV is used to view 16:9 safe for 14:9, what should happen is that the freeview box will zoom in a little to provide thin black bands top and bottom and cut a little of the sides of the picture off. This facility is intended to provide a reasonable compromise for viewers with 4:3 TVs. (14:9 is often used for analogue transmissions for the same reason).Note that some freeview boxes do not support this option and will produce a 16:9 letterbox display in this mode with thick black lines top and bottom, but the correct aspect ratio.A few types of box may become confused and not produce satisfactory pictures. When a 4:3 TV is used to view 16:9 programmes the pictures may be presented in one of two ways depending on the chosen option in the freeview box. Either in letterbox with thick black lines top and bottom or in centre cut out. Centre cut out enlarges the centre of the 16:9 image to fill the 4:3 screen and in so doing cuts off the sides of the picture. Note that some shows which are a mixture of 16:9 and 4:3 have to present the 4:3 with an area of black each side of the screen. If this is being watched in letterbox on a 4:3 TV, this will result in an area of black all around the image. E4 is transmitted with a different resolution setting from E4+1.Some boxes can give unexpected results as a result of this. If you are able to compare results/settings with friends and neighbours it may be helpful.
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Not necessarily, but usually. As well as an HDTV, it needs to have an HD decoder built-in, (or an external set top box) that can receive the HD signals and a TV service offering high-definition programmes, many of which are free. There was a confusing period in the late 2000’s where many TV’s said they were “HD Ready” but you need to check that they can decode an HD broadcast. If they can’t you may need an extra set-top-box.
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Audio description on Freeview makes use of two audios. The first is the normal stereo programme sound that all viewers use. The second audio carries only mono audio description which has mix control data associated with it. It is likely you are receiving the audio description service. A Netgem Freeview box makes use of the above to produce a fully mixed stereo audio which incorporates the audio description for blind viewers. As a result of recent feedback from viewers, it has become apparent that there are some Freeview receivers that are able to select the second audio channel as a multi-language option. Note that although obviously in English, this second audio is not suitable for use by itself as it provides only audio description and should be deselected thereby negating the problem. If the above does not help, you will need to contact whoever supplies your signal and they should be able to help.
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Channel 4 does not have any regional programming differences like the BBC or ITV. The only regional differences we have is our advertising. Channel 4 plays to six regions, London, South of England, Midlands, North of England, Ulster and Scotland. Our Advertising Sales department sells each region separately and we run a different set of ads to each of the regions simultaneously.
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Channel 4’s 4Talent resource provides exclusive insights and opportunities from across the multiplatform media industry, plus all of Channel 4’s talent development schemes under one roof. For information on careers in the media, try Skillset Careers.
Skillset Careers is the specialist careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) service for broadcast, film, video, interactive media and photo imaging.
Please note we take no responsibility for Third Party sites.
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Where we can acquire a programme or a film with surround sound, we use it. This tends to be movies, and blockbuster U.S series. More recently there have been a few UK programmes delivered with surround sound.
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Visit our listings page with details of our audio described programmes
You can also find information on programmes featuring audio description via our All 4 service
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Occasionally we are not able to subtitle the programmes we had hoped to. This can be due to technical problems with our transmission 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.
If you continue to have subtitle problems across all of your channels (and not just one), make sure your receiver is set up correctly.
Most problems with subtitles used to be caused by poor reception. However, now that all TV is digital, if there is a reception problem, it will affect the video and the audio and the subtitles equally. -
Programme listings are sent to press two weeks in advance of transmission for all our channels. Until schedules are released to the press, the information is sensitive and embargoed. This policy applies equally to repeats and first showings. So, if you can’t find details of your favourite programme in your TV listing magazine, EPG or on our website, it is not scheduled and we are unable to confirm when it will be.
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Channel 4 commission and buy programmes but don't produce any in-house. Consequently, there are no celebrities working in our offices. For this reason, we aren't able to provide autographs or signed photos.
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Channel 4 commission and buy programmes but don't produce any in-house. Consequently, there are no celebrities working in our offices. For this reason, we aren't able to provide autographs or signed photos.
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Unfortunately, only a small minority of video recorders are capable of recording subtitles so before buying one make sure it is one of those that does.
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It is certainly heading that way these days (2015). Of course, some old programmes weren't made in HD, so we have to “upconvert” those from standard definition (720x576 pixels). Since 2011, we requested all of our commissioned programmes to be made in HD.
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Channel 4HD is a direct simulcast of the core Channel 4 schedule. A proportion of the programmes will have been originally made in the HD format, these will include some of our well know US series and films as well as some Channel 4 commissioned programmes. The Channel 4 Group is committed to increasing its investment in HD production and acquiring programmes in the HD format. We fully intend to increase the proportion of our schedule which is made in high definition over time. The remaining non-HD programmes will be up-converted from the SD source material.
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If you put your post code into the search box HERE - it will let you know whether you can receive Freeview and what channels, in your area. Alternativesly you can contact Freeview directly via their website or by phone on 03456 505050.
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We get a lot of requests from students for information on their chosen project/assignment. Unfortunately, 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. Website: 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/Ofcom guidelines etc:
Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HA. Website: www.ofcom.org.uk
Information regarding viewing figures:
BARB (British Audience Research Board) Glenthorne House, Hammersmith Grove, London, W5 0ND. Website: www.barb.co.uk
Information regarding Channel 4 News:
ITN (Independent Television News)
200 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8XZ. Website: www.itn.co.uk or visit the Channel 4 News website.
Other Channel 4 Information locations:
You can also find lots of information about our channels in our FAQs and in our Annual Report which you'll find on our Corporate site.
Information around Advertising Sales can be found at Channel 4 Sales
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. -
If you are looking for the teachers notes that accompany our Learning programmes - go to the 4Learning website
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More4, launched at 8pm on Monday 10 October 2005. It features a host of the best factual programming . More4 is available on: Freeview - Channel 14 (+1 on channel 86 - HD boxes only), Virgin Media - Channel 147, Freesat - Channel 124 (+1 on channel 125), Sky - Channel 138 (+1 on channel 139)
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You can apply to see the show being made, CLICK HERE for details.
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The current Annual Report can be found on our corporate home page here.
The Annual Report for 2016 was released 12 July 2017.
You can also find out more information about Channel 4 on our corporate site here.
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Film4 is available on channel 14 on Freeview and you can also get Film4+1 on channel 45 if you have an HD Freeview box.
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For information regarding current vacancies at Channel 4, take a look at our Careers site.
You can also stay across opportunities and events from Channel 4 and across the wider independent production sector on 4TALENT
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Very few of our programmes are released on DVD, however, if available, you'll find them and any books that accompany a series, for sale via online or other DVD/Book retailers.
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Channel 4 commission and buy programmes but don't produce any in-house. Consequently, there are no celebrities working in our offices. For this reason, we're unable to forward e-mails directly to Channel 4 talent and don't have access to photographs or autographs. You would be best to search on the internet for a Fan Club to whom you could forward your mail.
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4seven began transmisison on Wednesday 4 July, 2012 at 7pm. 4seven features programming that created a buzz over the previous 7 days on Channel 4.
You'll find 4seven on Freeview, Freesat, Sky and Virgin.
Freview: 47
Freesat: 127
Sky: 140
Virgin: 143
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To purchase DVD/Video's of our Learning/Education programmes please call 08701 246 444 our visit out website CHANNEL 4 LEARNING
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There are two free satellite services available.
For information about the freesat service from BBC/ITV go to www.freesat.co.uk and for details of the service available from Sky go to www.freesatfromsky.co.uk.
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Channel 4 – 104, Channel 4HD - 141, Channel 4+1 – 142
E4 – 106, E4HD - 145, E4+1 – 146
More4 – 147, More4HD - 195, More4+1 - 196
Film4 – 428, Film4HD – 429, Film4+1 - 430
4Seven - 143, 4SevenHD - 203 -
Go to the Learning section of our website for details on teachers notes, educational web content and video/DVD availability.
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The Channel 4 News website has a wealth of information including video clips, transcripts, Jon's Podcast and links to other relevant websites. Channel 4 News
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For information about Channel 4 have a look at our corporate information website here
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For information on programmes featuring signing, please click here to visit our access services web page.
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Due to a change in the way that Film4+1 is broadcast on Freeview, unless you have a Freeview HD TV or set top box you will no longer be able to receive the Film4+1 service post Thursday 20 November. You will still be able to receive Film4 as normal on channel 14.
Unfortunately, we are aware that some viewers have already lost the +1 service, if you have an HD box, please try a retune, if you don't have Freeview HD, then I am afraid that the +1 service is no longer available.
If you are unsure how to retune your box, the Digital UK website has full details - CLICK HERE
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We supply 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 find information on our TV listings here, on Sky’s EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) and via the ‘Now & Next’ information on Digital Terrestrial Television.
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To write to Hollyoaks contact:
Lime Pictures Limited
Campus Manor
Childwall Abbey Road
Liverpool
L16 0JP
or check out the dedicated HOLLYOAKS website -
Please visit the Channel 4 Freedom of Information website for more information here
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The following websites have an extensive list of music used in adverts:
www.uktvadverts.com
www.songofthesalesman.co.uk
(Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of external websites)
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Information about our education and learning programmes can be found on our 4LEARNING site - but not all programmes are available to purchase, so do check our online All 4 on demand service to see if it is available to view there.
Channel 4 does not provide one-off copies of programmes.
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When a show is live or completed very close to transmission, it is not possible to prepare the subtitles in advance. To provide subtitles on live programmes (or on programmes completed very close to transmission), we employ a technique known as broadcast stenography or stenocaptioning.
Stenography is a type of machine-written shorthand based on phonetics, as used to record proceedings in courts and for parliamentary committees. Our stenographers employ the same technique, with the difference that the shorthand outline is translated by computer and transmitted instantly to air. Our stenographers are very experienced, but when writing previously unseen material at speeds of up to 240 words per minute, some mistakes are inevitable. They may occur because a word may come up that has not been fed into the stenographer’s dictionary, in which case the computer will supply a "phonetic" translation.
Sometimes the speed at which they work makes it inevitable that a finger will be in the wrong place, and a simple word will translate as something completely different. Mistakes may in fact represent only one finger error or “typo”. We also use speech recognition technology to provide live subtitling. A speech subtitler listens to the commentary and "re-speaks" it into software which recognises the speech and translates it into subtitles. Speech recognition produces a different range of errors to stenography as the software attempts to "make sense" of the sounds it hears, so instead of seeing phonetic translations, words may appear out of context.
The average person speaks over 240 words a minute and although this is fine for the average listener, it is much too fast for anyone reading subtitles, especially with a picture to watch at the same time. Subtitlers, therefore, have to reduce the number of words that are said so that the subtitles can be read in the time it takes the speaker to say them. They must also synchronise the subtitles with the soundtrack and make it clear who is saying what. In order to achieve all of this, it is sometimes necessary to edit the soundtrack and careful yet quick decisions have to be made about how best to do this.
With all this in mind, a small delay between the words spoken on screen and the subtitles appearing is inevitable. We aim to keep this delay as short as possible, but it is often more noticeable on an unscripted programme such as Big Brother where often several people are talking at once. Subtitles on live programmes are therefore not precisely synchronised with the soundtrack, as you may expect in pre-recorded programmes. Our live team constantly work towards eliminating errors and consistently achieve extremely accurate results across a wide range of programmes. However, live programming presents some of the biggest challenges to live subtitlers and some mistakes are unfortunately inevitable.
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Applications for current vacancies will be acknowledged by email or post as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications received, for some vacancies, we regret that we are not able to provide feedback to individuals who are not invited for interview.
All current vacancies can be found on our 4careers site - please click here
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Channel 4 is a commercial operation and like all organisations we have to balance the need to respond to comments and requests with the resources which that inevitably incurs. Our aim is to try to minimise overheads so we can maximise our programme spend. We have looked at our call volumes and times of peak demand and have arranged the opening hours with this in mind.
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For pre-recorded programmes, subtitlers edit the speech and make a careful decision about where to place the subtitles on the screen in order that no vital part of the picture is hidden. However, because the visual images that programme makers use tend to fill up the whole screen, there are inevitably occasions when the subtitles, wherever they are placed, end up covering a part of the picture that a viewer might wish to look at. We generally place our subtitles at the bottom of the screen because they are less obtrusive there and it is at this level that they are most comfortably read. However, for some programmes we deliberately choose to place the subtitles in a different position to avoid covering vital information. We do aim to avoid people’s mouths so that viewers who lip-read can do so. However, subtitles can appear at slightly different levels depending on whether you are watching on analogue, DTT or satellite.
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There's a common complaint from the viewing public that commercials sound too loud when compared with programmes.Why is this? To gain impact, commercial advertisers tend to "compress" the sound levels which means they lift them all up to the higher end - and this is what creates the greater impact. However, when compared against programmes which have a wider dynamic range - a wider variation in sound levels - this can cause irritation, because the two types of sound treatment don't sit very well together. Channel 4 has recognised this as a problem for viewers, and we use perceived loudness meters which give us a measure of the way the brain perceives the actual loudness of the sound. This allows us to adjust the levels of commercials and other interstitial material in accordance with Ofcom guidelines, so that they no longer cause irritation when compared with the wide majority of programme types transmitted by Channel 4. We continue to strive for an even perceived loudness through all our programming junctions on all our services.
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On-screen logos are very much a part of the multi-channel world and being competitive in this environment is tough. Channel 4 tries to maintain this competitiveness by making high quality programmes that people want to watch and by establishing loyalty, so that when a viewer is watching television, they watch Channel 4 channels rather than the hundreds of other choices.
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To watch any of our HD channels, you will need to have the appropriate equipment either a Freeview, Sky or Virgin HD box/card as well as an HD Ready TV.
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The green button on Film4 via Freeview, allows you to either set the record function on the upcoming featured film on your PVR, or, if your TV supports it, a reminder on your TV to remember to watch the film.
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If you’ve got Sky you can catch us on channel 135. Unfortunately our HD channel is not currently available.
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You can order DVDs of selected E4 series through the Channel 4 Store. Click HERE to go to the online shop.
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If you can't find your answer in our FAQ section, you can call us on 0345 076 0191 (lo-call number), we are open from 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday and from 10am – 7pm on weekends and public holidays or you can write via Channel 4 Enquiries, PO Box 1058, Belfast, BT1 9DU
Or click on the contact us tab to go to the webform.
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For more details please consult the Audio Description for TV document issued by the RNIB. You can find details of the programmes that we audio describe here
If you would like further information or advice call the RNIB audio description helpline on 08456 01 01 81 or 0161 234 9063.
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Channel 4 welcomes feedback from our viewers. If you are unhappy with any aspect of Channel 4, you can use the contact us webform, call us on 0345 076 0191 or write via Channel 4 Enquiries, PO Box 1058, Belfast, BT1 9DU.
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We currently have subtitles available on all HD channels and, Audio Description, where it is available with the programme master file. Sometimes we have a person signing BSL burnt-in to the programme too. Check the info/description in your EPG (Electronic Programme Guide).
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The content of films and acquired programmes shown on television must comply with Ofcom Broadcasting Code (Ofcom is the regulator for television in the UK). No film refused classification by the BBFC can be broadcast, unless it has subsequently been classified or the BBFC have confirmed that it would not be rejected according to the standards currently operating. The Ofcom Code may also mean that changes can be required to permit more flexible scheduling. Of course, if this is necessary, every effort is made to make changes sensitively and in such a way that the audience experience is not compromised.
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Firstly programmes need to be shot and made in HD and then they are played-out by us, to you, in High Definition.
It requires an entirely separate broadcast stream from standard definition (SD) broadcasting. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio, (“widescreen”) and in the UK it transmits at a picture size of 1920 pixels wide & 1080 pixels tall. In the UK, we call this format “1080i” (the “i” stands for interlaced). Channel 4 uses only this format, which has been adopted by all UK broadcasters. We use a newer transmission method to fit all the increased picture data into, so older set-top boxes that don’t say “HD” most likely won’t get the services.
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This is a new format, and some UHDTV’s have appeared on the market. Sometime people call this “4K”. The picture size is even greater than HD, and is increased from 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels tall (HD) to 3840 pixels wide by 2160 pixels tall (UHD). That’s about four times more definition.
This is in its infancy, and although there are TV’s on the market, there is not yet a transmission method that broadcasters can use, but there is a great deal of development of this new technology. -
The Channel 4 Headquarters building is at 124 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 2TX
However, if you want to comment or enquire about a programme by letter, please write to:
Channel 4 Enquiries
PO Box 1058
Belfast BT1 9DU
Or you can call 0345 076 0191 (lo-call number) or use the contact us button below
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If you are having technical difficulties receiving any of our channels, we'd be grateful if you could let us has as much of the following information as possible when you write to us, so that we can fully investigate.
Name, Postcode, Town or City, Telephone Number (in case engineers need to contact you for further information)
For digital, satellite or cable
Q: Is the problem on Channel 4 only or does it affect other channels?
Q: Who supplies your signal (Sky/Cable/Freeview)?
Q: If cable, which company?
Q: If Sky or Freeview, what is your set-top box model?
Q: How long has the problem existed?
Q: Does it affect only picture, sound, or both?
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Channel 4HD, E4HD, Film4HD, More4HD and 4SevenHD are all available on Virgin. You’ll find them at these channel numbers on your EPG, Channel 4HD – 141, E4HD – 145, Film4HD - 429, More4HD - 195 and 4SevenHD - 203.
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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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On Monday 13 May there will be some changes to the location of some of our channels on the Freeview EPG. If your Freeview device has not updated automatically - if you perform a manual retune that should fix any issues.
The channel changes will be:
Ch4+1 will be moving from 13 to 15
E4 will be moving from 28 to 13
E4+1 will be moving from 29 to 28
Film4 will be moving from 15 to 14
More4 will be moving from 14 to 18
4Music will be moving from 18 to 29All our other channels on Freeview remain unaffected.
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Channel 4 only transmits advertisements which have been examined and cleared for transmission via Clearcast. If you have a complaint about the content of an advertisement, this should be directed to the Advertising Standards Authority who investigate and adjudicate on complaints for all forms of broadcast advertising.
Adverting Standards Authority
Mid City Place
71 High Holborn
London WC1V 6QT
Telephone 020 7492 2222
Textphone 020 7242 8159
Fax 020 7242 3696
If you wish to make Channel 4 aware of your complaint as well, please fill in the complaints form at Contact Us and this will be logged and passed on to our Advertising Sales Department for their information. If your complaint is about a Channel 4 trailer, rather than a product advertisement, then please use the details above to contact us and we will ensure it is logged and passed on to those responsible for our marketing activity. -
Anyone wishing to become a presenter will need to produce a showreel to forward to production companies and casting agents. To help you we have listed some points to remember when making one:
- A showreel should be interesting, fun and certainly no more than 4-5 minutes in length
- Include several short scenes e.g. reporting from a special event or interviewing someone in a mock studio
- Remember that the first minute is the most crucial to gain the viewers attention
- Don't go to great expense to make the showreel, try and get family or friends to shoot it for you
- When you send your showreel to a production company enclose a covering letter and ensure your name, age and contact details are clearly marked on it
- Never send your master copy to a production company - they can't guarantee its return
- Production companies may take some time to respond, especially if they are not currently casting
PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) have a directory which lists contact details for independent production companies. Contact Pact to subscribe to their online directory of independent production companies.
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Channel 4 is committed to providing a range of access services across our channels and programming in line with our yearly quota from Ofcom.
For 2018 the quota is:
Subtitling: 90% on Channel 4, 80% on E4, More4 and Film 4 and 60% 4Seven.
Audio Decription: 10% on Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4 and 4Seven
Signing: 5% on Channel 4 and E4.
In 2017, we exceeded our Ofcom quota across the board providing:
Channel 4: 99.99% subtitles, 35.86% audio description and 5.95% of programmes with signing.
E4: provided 99.98% subtitles, 65.80% audio description and 5.54% of programming with signing.
Film4: provided 100% subtitles and 30.66% of programming with audio description.
More4: provided 100% subtitles and 30.70% of programming with audio description.
4Seven: provided 100% subtitles and 37.04% of programming with audio description.
More 4, Film4 and 4Seven all contribute to the Community Channel funding and therefore do not carry signed programmes (with one exception, each Monday morning at 8am on Film4).
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