Channel 4
Launched	November 2, 1982
Owned by	Channel Four Television Corporation
Picture format	625 Lines PAL (analogue) 16:9/4:3, 576i SDTV (digital), 1080i (HDTV)
Audience share	7. Events 1570 - A Tidal wave in the North Sea devastates the coast from Holland to Jutland, killing more than 1000 Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) PAL, short for Phase Alternating Line, is a colour -encoding system used in Broadcast television systems in large parts of the world The aspect ratio of an Image is its width divided by its height The aspect ratio of an Image is its width divided by its height 576i is a standard-definition video mode used in (former PAL and SECAM countries High-definition television (HDTV is a Digital television Broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional television systems (standard-definition 8% (with S4C) (0. S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru meaning Channel Four Wales) is a television channel in Wales 6% for Channel 4+1) (February 2008, [2])
Country	United Kingdom
Sister channel(s)	E4, More4, Film4
Timeshift service	Channel 4+1
Website	www.channel4.com
Availability
Terrestrial
Analogue	Normally tuned to 4 (excluding Wales)
Freeview	Channel 4 Channel 8 (Wales) Channel 13 (+1)
Satellite
Freesat	Channel 104 Channel 120 (Wales)
Sky Digital	Channel 104 Channel 117 (Wales) Channel 135 (+1) Channel 135, 136 +1 (ROI)
Sky HD	Channel 140
Astra 2D	10729V 22000 5/6
Cable
Virgin Media	Channel 104 Channel 143 (+1)
UPC Ireland	Channel 111
IPTV over ADSL
Tiscali TV	Channel 4

Channel 4 is a public-service television and radio broadcaster in the United Kingdom, centred around a television channel of the same name which began transmissions on November 2, 1982. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located E4 is a digital television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, launched as a pay-TV companion to Channel 4 on 18 January More4 is a Digital television channel produced by United Kingdom broadcaster Channel 4, that launched on 10 October 2005. Film4 is a free digital Television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned and operated by Channel 4, that screens Analogue terrestrial television in the United Kingdom is traditionally the method most people in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man used to receive Freeview is an operator of free Digital terrestrial television in the United Kingdom, using the DVB-T standard Freesat is a British Free-to-air digital Satellite television service developed by the BBC Sky Digital is the brand name for British Sky Broadcasting 's digital Satellite television service transmitted from SES Astra satellites located at 28 Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. See Also Astra 2A co-located satellite Astra 2B co-located satellite Astra 2C co-located satellite Virgin Media Inc (formerly known as ntlTelewest, after a merger of NTL Incorporated with Telewest Global Inc UPC Communications Ireland Limited, which trades primarily under the brand name Chorus NTL, is Liberty Global Europe 's operation in Ireland IPTV ( Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a Digital television service is delivered using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure which Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line ( ADSL) is a form of DSL, a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over Copper Telephone Tiscali TV may refer to Tiscali TV (Italy, IPTV service in Italy Tiscali TV (UK, IPTV service in the United Kingdom In the United Kingdom the term " Public service broadcasting " (PSB refers to broadcasting intended for the public benefit rather than for purely commercial Television ( TV) is a widely used Telecommunication medium for sending ( Broadcasting) and receiving moving Images, either monochromatic Radio is the transmission of signals by Modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible Light. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Events 1570 - A Tidal wave in the North Sea devastates the coast from Holland to Jutland, killing more than 1000 Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Although entirely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned: Originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), the station is now owned and operated by the Channel Four Television Corporation, a public body established in 1990 for this purpose and which came into operation in 1993, following the abolition of the IBA. The Independent Broadcasting Authority ( IBA) was the regulatory body in the United Kingdom for commercial Television ( ITV and

The station was established to provide a fourth television service to the UK that would break the duopoly of the BBC's two established television services and the single commercial broadcasting network, ITV, then the only services in the UK. Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent Though having seen new competition through the subsequent availability and growth of cable, satellite and digital terrestrial services, Channel 4 still enjoys almost universal coverage in the UK, coverage in some neighbouring countries and a significant audience share.

Channel 4 was established with, and continues to hold, a remit of public service obligations which it must fulfill. The remit changes periodically, as dictated by various broadcasting and communications acts, and is regulated by the various authorities Channel 4 has been answerable to; originally the IBA, then the ITC and now Ofcom. The Independent Television Commission (ITC licensed and regulated commercial Television services in the United Kingdom (except S4C in Wales The Office of Communications (Y Swyddfa Gyfathrebiadau or as it is more often known Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the Communication

The preamble of the remit as per the Communications Act 2003 states that:

"The public service remit for Channel 4 is the provision of a broad range of high quality and diverse programming which, in particular:

• demonstrates innovation, experiment and creativity in the form and content of programmes;
• appeals to the tastes and interests of a culturally diverse society;
• makes a significant contribution to meeting the need for the licensed public service channels to include programmes of an educational nature and other programmes of educative value; and
• exhibits a distinctive character. The Communications Act 2003 is an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom (citation 2003 c "^[1][2]

The remit also involves an obligation to provide Schools Programming,^[3] and a substantial amount of programming produced outside of Greater London. Greater London is the top-level administrative subdivision covering London, England. ^[4]

Contents 1 Channel Four Television Corporation 2 History 2.1 Wales 2.2 Conception 2.3 IBA Control: 1982–1993 2.4 Channel Four Television Corporation control: 1993 onwards 2.5 The future 3 Carriage 4 Funding 5 Programming 6 Other Services 6.1 4Ventures/4Rights 6.2 Television 6.2.1 Film4 6.2.2 E4 6.2.3 More4 6.2.4 '+1' Channels 6.2.5 Box Television 6.2.6 Channel 4 HD 6.3 Previous Channels 6.3.1 At The Races 6.3.2 Quiz Call 6.4 Radio 6.4.1 4 Digital Group 6.4.2 4radio 6.4.3 Oneword 6.5 Channel4.com 6.6 4oD 6.7 4Music 6.8 Teletext 6.8.1 4-Tel/FourText 6.8.2 Teletext on 4 7 Corporate Structure 7.1 Management 7.1.1 Chairmen 7.1.2 Chief executives 7.2 Financial information 7.3 Headquarters 8 Regions 9 Annual Reports and Financial Statements 10 References 11 See also 12 External links

Channel Four Television Corporation

As an organisation, Channel 4 is known as the Channel Four Television Corporation, though this form is more recent than the station itself, having previously been the Channel Four Television Company, a subsidiary of the IBA, between 1982 and 1993. The Independent Broadcasting Authority ( IBA) was the regulatory body in the United Kingdom for commercial Television ( ITV and ^[5][6]

Towards the end of the 1980s, the government began a radical process of re-organisation of the commercial broadcasting industry,^[7] which was written onto the statute books by means of the Broadcasting Act 1990. The Broadcasting Act 1990 is a law of the British parliament, often regarded by both its supporters and its critics as a quintessential example of Thatcherism ^[8] Significantly, this meant the abolition of the IBA, and hence the Channel Four Television Company. The result led to the creation of a corporation to own and operate the channel, which would have a greater deal of autonomy and would eventually go on establish its other operations. The new corporation, which became operational in 1993, remained publicly owned and was regulated by the new Independent Television Commission (ITC), created under the same act. The Independent Television Commission (ITC licensed and regulated commercial Television services in the United Kingdom (except S4C in Wales The ITC and its duties were later replaced by Ofcom, which like its predecessor is responsible for appointing the Corporation's board, in agreement with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The Office of Communications (Y Swyddfa Gyfathrebiadau or as it is more often known Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the Communication The Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport is a UK cabinet position with responsibility for the Department for Culture Media and Sport. ^[1]

In terms of the station's remit and other duties, the creation of the corporation meant little change, however the new corporation would have to manage its own advertising, rather than this being carried out on its behalf by the local ITV contractors (see Funding).

History

Wales

Main article: S4C

At the time the fourth service was being considered, a vocal movement in Wales lobbied for the creation of dedicated service that would air Welsh-language programmes, then only catered for at obscure times on BBC Wales and HTV. S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru meaning Channel Four Wales) is a television channel in Wales BBC Wales ( BBC Cymru) is a division of the British Broadcasting Corporation for Wales. HTV, now legally known as ITV Wales and West, is the ITV contractor for Wales and the West of England. The campaign was taken so seriously by some, that Gwynfor Evans, former president of Plaid Cymru threatened the government with a hunger strike were it not to honour the plans. Dr Richard Gwynfor Evans ( 1 September 1912 – 21 April 2005) was a Welsh politician lawyer and author Plaid Cymru (plaɪd ˈkəmri The Party of Wales often referred to simply as Plaid) is a Political party in Wales. ^[9]

The result was that Channel 4 proper would be replaced by "Sianel Pedwar Cymru" or "Channel 4 Wales". S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru meaning Channel Four Wales) is a television channel in Wales Operated by a specially-created Welsh Fourth Channel Authority, S4C would air programmes in Welsh as made by HTV, the BBC, or from independent companies. The Welsh Fourth Channel Authority ( Welsh: Awdurdod S4C) regulates S4C ( Sianel Pedwar Cymru) the Welsh-language Television station Initially limited frequency space meant that Channel 4 proper could not be broadcast alongside S4C, though some English Channel 4 programmes would be aired at less popular times on the Welsh variant, a practice that still carries on to this day on S4C analogue.

Since then, carriage on digital cable, satellite and digital terrestrial television means that Channel 4 is now available to over 70% of Welsh viewers. Satellite television is Television delivered by the means of Communications satellites as compared to conventional Terrestrial television and Cable Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and ^[10] Following the completion of switchover to digital broadcasting in Wales in 2009, Channel 4 should become available to all Welsh TV viewers, alongside S4C. Consequently "S4C Digidol" does not carry Channel 4 programming. ^[11]

Conception

Before Channel 4 and S4C, Britain had three terrestrial television services: BBC1, BBC2, and ITV. Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent The Broadcasting Act 1980 began the process of adding a fourth, and Channel 4, along with its Welsh counterpart, was formally created by an Act of Parliament in 1982. The Broadcasting Act 1980 (1980 c 64 was an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom. S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru meaning Channel Four Wales) is a television channel in Wales An Act of Parliament is a Law enacted as Primary legislation by a national or sub-national Parliament. After some months of test broadcasts, it began scheduled transmissions on 2 November 1982. Events 1570 - A Tidal wave in the North Sea devastates the coast from Holland to Jutland, killing more than 1000 Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar)

The notion of a second commercial broadcaster in the UK had been around since the inception of ITV in 1954 and its subsequent launch in 1955; the idea of an 'ITV2' was long expected and pushed for. Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent ITV2 is a 24 hour a day Free-to-air entertainment Television channel in the United Kingdom owned by ITV Digital Channels Ltd, a division of Indeed television sets sold throughout the 1970s and early 1980s had a spare channel called 'ITV/IBA 2'. Throughout ITV's history and until Channel 4 finally became a reality, a perennial dialogue existed between the GPO, the government, the ITV companies and other interested parties, concerning the form such an expansion of commercial broadcasting would take. The history of ITV, the United Kingdom "Independent Television" commercial network goes back to 1954 Her Majesty's Government, or when the monarch is male His Majesty's Government, is the title used by the Government of the United Kingdom, based at It was most likely politics which had the biggest impact in leading to a delay of almost three decades before the second commercial channel became a reality. Politics Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions ^[6] With what can crudely be summed up as a clash of ideologies between an expansion of ITV's commercial ethos and a public service approach more akin to the BBC, it was ultimately somewhat of a compromise that eventually led to the formation of Channel 4 as launched in 1982. Public broadcasting refers to radio television and other electronic media outlets that receive some or all of their funding from the public

One clear benefit of the 'late arrival' of the channel was that its frequency allocations at each transmitter had already been arranged in the early 1960s, when the launch of ITV2 was highly anticipated. ^[6] This led to very good coverage across most of the country and few problems of interference with other UK based transmissions; a stark contrast to the problems associated with Channel 5's launch 15 years later.

An actual channel named ITV2 did not launch until 1998, after the advent of digital terrestrial television. ITV2 is a 24 hour a day Free-to-air entertainment Television channel in the United Kingdom owned by ITV Digital Channels Ltd, a division of

IBA Control: 1982–1993

The first voice ever heard on Channel 4's opening day of Tuesday 2 November 1982 was that of continuity announcer Paul Coia, who intoned, "Good afternoon. Events 1570 - A Tidal wave in the North Sea devastates the coast from Holland to Jutland, killing more than 1000 Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Paul Coia (born June 19, 1955, Glasgow) is a Scottish Television presenter and Continuity announcer who was the first voice It's a pleasure to be able to say to you: Welcome to Channel Four", before heading into a montage of clips from its programmes set to the station's Lord David Dundas-penned signature tune, Fourscore, which would form the basis of the station's jingles for its first decade. Lord David Dundas (born David Paul Nicholas Dundas 2 June 1945, Oxford, England) is a Musician known for his Film and Fourscore was the signature tune used by Channel 4 in the United Kingdom for 14 years from 1982 to 1996 The first programme to air on the channel was the teatime game show Countdown, produced by Yorkshire Television; it is still running as of 2008 and is contracted until 2009. Countdown is a British Game show presented by Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman, with regular lexicographer Susie Dent Yorkshire Television is the ITV contractor for the Yorkshire franchise

Upon its launch, Channel 4 committed itself to providing an alternative to the existing channels, an agenda in part set out by its remit which required the provision of programming to minority groups. Its new style of programming often drew critical attention, with some, such as the public-decency campaigner Mary Whitehouse, claiming the station had overstepped the boundaries of acceptability whilst others argued that the new style of broadcasting had led to a liberalisation of the UK television industry. Mary Whitehouse CBE ( 13 June 1910 – 23 November 2001) was a British campaigner for values of Morality

Programming such as the Red Triangle series, The Tube, and Network 7 often straddled the boundary between being pioneering and risky. The red triangle was The Tube was an innovative United Kingdom pop/rock music television programme which ran for 5 series from November 5, 1982 until Network 7 was a shortlived but influential BAFTA award winning youth music and current affairs programme screened on Channel 4 over two series in 1987

In step with its remit, the channel became well received both by minority groups and the arts and cultural worlds during this period, especially under Isaacs, where the channel gained a reputation for programmes on the contemporary arts. The channel often did not receive mass audiences for much of this period, however, as might be expected for a station focusing on minority interest.

Channel 4 also began the funding of independent films during this time.

In 1992, Channel 4 also faced its first libel case by Jani Allan, a South African journalist, who objected to her representation in the documentary The Leader, His Driver and the Driver's Wife. Jani Allan (born 11 September, 1953) is a former South African journalist and radio commentator best known for an alleged affair with right-wing AWB The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa The Leader His Driver and the Driver's Wife is a feature-length Documentary film about Apartheid in South Africa, particularly Eugène ^[12]

Channel Four Television Corporation control: 1993 onwards

After control of the station passed from the Channel Four Television Company to the Channel Four Television Corporation in 1993 (see above) a shift in broadcasting style took place. Instead of aiming for the fringes of society, it began to focus on the edges of the mainstream, and the centre of the mass market itself. It began to show many US programmes in peak viewing time, far more than it had previously done. It premiered such shows as Friends and ER. Friends was an ER is an Emmy Award -winning American Medical drama series created by Novelist Michael Crichton and airing on

Latterly, it began broadcasting various reality formats (including Big Brother) and obtained the rights to broadcast certain popular sporting events such as cricket and horse racing (the contract to broadcast Test Match Cricket ceased with the end of the Summer 2005 Ashes series). Big Brother is a Reality television series broadcast in the United Kingdom and Cricket is a bat-and-ball team Sport that originated in England and is now played in more than 100 countries This article is about the sport For other uses see Horserace (drinking game or Horse race (politics. The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia. This new direction increased ratings and revenues.

In addition, the Channel launched a number of new television channels through its new 4Ventures off-shoot, including Film4, At The Races, E4 and More4 (see Other Services).

Partially in reaction to its new 'populist' direction, the Communications Act 2003 directed the channel to demonstrate innovation, experimentation and creativity, appeal to the tastes and interests of a culturally diverse society and to include programmes of an educational nature which exhibit a distinctive character. The Communications Act 2003 is an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom (citation 2003 c ^[1]

Under the leadership of Freeview founder Andy Duncan, 2005 saw a change of direction for Channel 4's digital channels. Freeview is an operator of free Digital terrestrial television in the United Kingdom, using the DVB-T standard Andy Duncan (born July 31 1962) is the chief executive of Channel 4 television in the United Kingdom. Channel 4 made E4 'free to air' on Digital Terrestrial, and launched a new 'free to air' digital channel called More4. More4 is a Digital television channel produced by United Kingdom broadcaster Channel 4, that launched on 10 October 2005. By October Channel 4 had joined the Freeview consortium. ^[13] By July 2006, Film4 had also become a 'free to air' and re-started broadcasting on Digital Terrestrial. Film4 is a free digital Television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned and operated by Channel 4, that screens ^[14]

Venturing into radio broadcasting, 2005 saw Channel 4 purchase a 51 per cent of shares in the Oneword radio station with UBC Media holding onto the remaining shares. Oneword Radio was a British commercial digital radio station featuring Books, drama, comedy, Children's programming New programmes such as the weekly, half hour The Morning Report news programme are among some of the new content Channel 4 has provided for the station, with the name 4Radio being used.

On November 2, 2007, the station celebrated its twenty-fifth birthday. Events 1570 - A Tidal wave in the North Sea devastates the coast from Holland to Jutland, killing more than 1000 Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. It showed the first episode of Countdown, an anniversary Countdown special, as well as a special edition of The Big Fat Quiz and using the original multicoloured 1982-1996 blocks logo on presentation and idents using the Fourscore jingle throughout the day. Countdown is a British Game show presented by Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman, with regular lexicographer Susie Dent The Big Fat Quiz of the Year is a British Television programme first broadcast on 28 December 2004, the second edition broadcast on Fourscore was the signature tune used by Channel 4 in the United Kingdom for 14 years from 1982 to 1996

The future

Channel 4 has in recent years raised concerns over how it might finance its public service obligations after digital switch-over. However, some certainty lies in the announcement in April 2006 that Channel 4's digital switch-over costs would be paid for by licence fee revenues. ^[15]

On March 28, 2007, Channel 4 announced plans to launch a music channel as a joint venture with UK media company EMAP which would include carriage on the Freeview platform. Events 37 - Roman Emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. EMAP is a British media company specializing in the production of B2b magazines and the organization of business events and conferences Freeview is an operator of free Digital terrestrial television in the United Kingdom, using the DVB-T standard ^[16][17] Channel 4 has since acquired a 50% stake in EMAP's TV business for a reported £28 million. ^[18]

Carriage

Channel 4 was carried from its beginning on analogue terrestrial (except in Wales), which was practically the only means of television broadcast in the UK at the time. It will continue to be broadcast through these means until the UK's analogue television services are closed down over the course of the next decade. Since 1998, it has been universally available on digital terrestrial, and the Sky Digital platform (encrypted, though free of charge) as well as having been available from various times in various areas, on analogue and digital cable networks. Sky Digital is the brand name for British Sky Broadcasting 's digital Satellite television service transmitted from SES Astra satellites located at 28

Due to its special status as a public service broadcaster with a specific remit, it is afforded free carriage on the terrestrial platforms,^[19] in contrast with other broadcasters such as ITV. ^[20]

Channel 4 is also available overseas: Some viewers in the Republic of Ireland and parts of the European mainland, have been able to receive terrestrial transmissions from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and some overseas cable networks, especially in the RoI, have carried the service. Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. From 4 December 2006 Channel 4 was officially available to Sky viewers in the Republic of Ireland; some programmes, mainly imports, are not aired on this channel variant, due to Channel 4 not owning the relevant broadcast rights within the country. "December 4th" redirects here For the song by Jay-Z, see December 4th (song. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.

From June 2006 to Early 2008, Channel 4 allowed Internet users in the United Kingdom to watch Channel 4 live on the Internet. However, for legal reasons all adverts have been removed and some programmes (mostly international imports) are not shown. This service no longer exists. Channel 4 is also provided by Virgin Mobile's DAB mobile TV service which has the same restrictions as the internet live stream. Virgin Mobile is a brand used by many Mobile phone service providers based in the United Kingdom, and operating Digital Audio Broadcasting ( DAB) also known as Eureka 147, is a Digital radio technology for Broadcasting Radio stations used in

Channel 4 also makes some of its programming available 'on demand' via cable and the internet (see 4oD).

Funding

Channel 4 has never received any public funding. During the station's formative years, funding came from the ITV companies in return for their right to sell advertisements in their region on the fourth channel. Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent

Nowadays it pays for itself in much the same way as most privately run commercial stations, i. e. through the sale of on-air advertising, programme sponsorship, and the sale of any programme content and merchandising rights it owns, such as overseas sales and video sales. It also has the ability to subsidise the main network through any profits made on the corporation's other endeavours, which have in the past included subscription fees from stations such as E4 and Film4 (now no longer subscription services) and its 'video-on-demand' sales. E4 is a digital television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, launched as a pay-TV companion to Channel 4 on 18 January Film4 is a free digital Television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned and operated by Channel 4, that screens In practice, however, these other activities are loss-making, and are subsidised by the main network. According to Channel 4's last published accounts, for 2005, the extent of this cross-subsidy was some £30 million. [3]

The change in funding method came about by the Broadcasting Act 1990 when the new corporation was afforded the ability to fund itself. The Broadcasting Act 1990 is a law of the British parliament, often regarded by both its supporters and its critics as a quintessential example of Thatcherism Originally this arrangement left a 'safety net' guaranteed minimum income should the revenue fall too low, funded by large insurance payments made to the ITV companies. Such a subsidy was never required, however, and these premiums were phased out by government in 1998. After the link with ITV was cut, the cross-promotion which had existed between ITV and Channel 4 also ended.

Programming

Main article: Channel 4 programming

Channel 4 is a "publisher-broadcaster", meaning that it commissions or "buys" all of its programming from companies independent of itself, and was the first broadcaster in the United Kingdom to do so on any significant scale. Endemol is a television production company based in the Netherlands, with Subsidiaries and Joint ventures in 23 countries including the United This had the consequence of starting an industry of production companies that did not have to rely on owning an ITV licence in order to see their programmes air, though since Channel 4, external commissioning has become regular practise on the numerous stations that have launched since, as well as on the BBC and in ITV (where a quota of 25% minimum of total output has been imposed since the 1990 Broadcasting Act came into force). Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent Ironically, having been the first broadcaster in the UK to completely commission its core product from third parties, and after 25 years in-house, Channel 4 will now become the last terrestrial broadcaster to outsource its transmission and playout operations (to Red Bee Media). [4]

The requirement to obtain all content externally is stipulated in its licence^[2]. Additionally, Channel 4 also began a trend of owning the copyright and distribution rights of the programmes it aired, in a manner that is similar to the major Hollywood studios' ownership of television programs that they did not directly produce. Thus, although Channel 4 does not produce programmes, many are seen as belonging to it.

Channel 4 also pioneered the concept of stranded programming, where seasons of programmes following a common theme would be aired and promoted together. Some would be very specific, and run for a fixed period of time; the 4 Mation season, for example, showed innovative animation. Other, less specific strands, were (and still are) run regularly, such as T4, a strand of programming aimed at teenagers, on weekend mornings (and weekdays during school/college holidays); Friday Night Comedy, a slot where the channel would pioneer its style of comedy commissions, 4Music (potentially about to expand soon into a full channel in partnership with Emap) and 4Later, an eclectic collection of offbeat programmes transmitted to a cult audience in the early hours of the morning. T4 (presumably meaning Teenage 4) is a scheduling slot on Channel 4 ( UK) from about 9 a

In its earlier years, Red Triangle was the name given to the airing of certain risqué art-house films due to the use of a red triangle DOG in the upper right of the screen, dubbed as being pornographic by many of Channel 4's critics, whilst general broadcasting of films on the station for many years came under the banner of Film on Four prior to the launch of the FilmFour brand and station in the late 1990s. A digital on-screen graphic (known in the UK and New Zealand by the acronym DOG; in the US and Canada as a bug; and in Film4 is a free digital Television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned and operated by Channel 4, that screens

Its critically acclaimed news service, Channel 4 News, is supplied by ITN whilst its long-standing investigative documentary, Dispatches, causes perennial media attention. Channel 4 News is the news division of British TV broadcaster Channel 4. ITN ( Independent Television News) is a major news and content provider with headquarters in the United Kingdom. Dispatches is the British television current affairs documentary series on Channel 4, first transmitted in 1987

Other Services

November 1998 saw Channel 4 expand beyond its remit of providing the 'fourth service' in a significant way, with the launch of FilmFour. Film4 is a free digital Television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned and operated by Channel 4, that screens Since then the corporation has been involved in a range of other activities, all in some way associated with the main channel, and mainly using the '4' brand.

4Ventures/4Rights

In 2001 4Ventures was created as the parent body of its other activities, which at the time were run as commercial businesses, rather than public-service obligations, with the intent of making profit which would serve to subsidise the main Channel 4. 4Ventures has subsequently been run-down, with its television stations (listed below) moving from a largely subscription based profit-making model, to being widely available free-to-view services, available on most platforms.

However, following the sale of Quiz Call (a gaming channel operated by the then-owned subsidiary Ostrich Media) in 2006, a restructure of 4Ventures saw many of its activities re-integrated back into the main channel's operations (including day-to-day running of E4, Film4 and More4). Quiz Call is a late night/early morning phone-in quiz TV show produced by Ostrich Media (owned by iTouch for Five, Five US and Fiver Ostrich Media is a British company best known as the owner of interactive quiz show Quiz Call. The last remaining division (and now the only commercial arm of Channel 4), 4Rights, was formed from an amalgamation of Channel 4 International and Channel 4 Consumer Products. As part of the restructure, much of the 4Ventures management team either left the company - chief executive (and Channel 4 commercial director) Rob Woodward and managing director Anmar Kawash are now Chief Executive and Director of Strategy of SMG respectively - or transferred to other posts within Channel 4. Most overt references to 4Ventures have since ended and/or been removed. 4Ventures' website still exists, but has not been updated for some time.

In 2007, the expanding, UK-based, independent distribution group Digital Rights Group (DRG) announced an intention to buy Channel 4 International (adding it to Zeal and ID Distribution among its other companies), following a review by Channel 4 of its commercial division. The deal was completed in November of the same year. The Consumer Products division has been retained by Channel 4 as part of a new, heavily-shrunken 4Rights division, although the future of this division is uncertain in the long-term.

Television

Film4

Main article: Film4

Channel 4 has had a long record of success in funding the production of films through Channel Four Films, renamed FilmFour in 1998 to coincide with the launch of its digital channel of the same name. Film4 is a free digital Television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned and operated by Channel 4, that screens Notable successes include The Madness of King George, The Crying Game and Four Weddings and a Funeral. This article is about the 1994 film For the play by Alan Bennett see The Madness of George III (play and for a 2004 political satire see The Madness of King George The Crying Game is a 1992 film written and directed by Neil Jordan. Four Weddings and a Funeral is a 1994 British Romantic comedy film directed by Mike Newell. However, this dedicated film-making wing was scaled back in 2002 as a cost-cutting measure in the face of substantial losses.

Channel 4 launched a subscription film channel, FilmFour, in November 1998. It was available on digital satellite television and digital cable. Satellite television is Television delivered by the means of Communications satellites as compared to conventional Terrestrial television and Cable Companion services, such as FilmFour+1, FilmFour World and FilmFour Extreme were also available on some digital services. In 2003 Extreme and World were discontinued, and replaced with FilmFour Weekly. FilmFour Weekly closed in July 2006, when the main, newly named Film4 channel went free-to-view and became available on Digital Terrestrial. Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and The switchover to Digital Terrestrial was heavily advertised. The adverts featured Lucy Liu, Christian Slater, Ewan McGregor, Judi Dench, Gael García Bernal, Willem Dafoe, Mackenzie Crook, Rhys Ifans and Ray Winstone declaring "Film4 is now free" in various situations across London. Lucy Alexis Liu ( born December 2, 1968) is an American actress. Christian Slater (born August 18, 1969) is an American Actor who has starred in films such as Heathers, Ewan Gordon McGregor (born 31 March 1971 ˌjuːən məˈgrɛgər is a Scottish Actor, who has had significant success in mainstream indie and art Dame Judith Olivia Dench, CH, DBE, FRSA, (born 9 December, 1934) usually known as Judi Dench, is an English Gael García Bernal (IPA /ga'el gaɾ'sia beɾ'nal/ born November 30 1978 is a Mexican Actor and director. William J "Willem" Dafoe (born July 22, 1955) is a three-time Academy Award -nominated American Film and stage Paul Mackenzie Crook (born September 29, 1971) is an English Actor and Comedian, best known for playing Gareth Keenan in Rhys Ifans r̥ ɨːs 'ivans (born 22 July 1968) is a Welsh Actor. Raymond Andrew "Ray" Winstone Jr (born 19 February 1957) is an Emmy Award -winning English film and television actor It remains the only film channel available free on digital terrestrial television.

In 2002, Channel 4's film financing division (Film4 Productions) was seriously scaled back, due to massive losses, although total closure was averted. Film4 Productions is a British film Production company owned by Channel 4. It had however had various successes, most notably Four Weddings and a Funeral and Trainspotting. Four Weddings and a Funeral is a 1994 British Romantic comedy film directed by Mike Newell. Trainspotting is a 1996 Scottish film directed by Danny Boyle based on the novel Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh In 1994, BAFTA/LA (the Los Angeles branch of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts) presented a full-length film festival in Los Angeles in conjunction with the American Cinematheque (the US equivalent of Britain's National Film Theatre that saluted the considerable contributions to British film of Channel 4's film division since its inception. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA is a British charity that hosts annual awards shows for film television television craft video games and forms of animation The American Cinematheque is an independent Non-profit cultural organization in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to the public presentation of the Moving BFI Southbank (formerly known as the National Film Theatre) is the leading Repertory cinema in the UK specialising in seasons of classic independent The festival presented many of the most celebrated Channel 4 films, and also featured panel discussions about Channel 4's role between Channel 4 chief executive Michael Grade and US TV producer Norman Lear. Michael Ian Grade CBE (born March 8, 1943) is a British Businessman and a distinguished figure in the field of Broadcasting Norman Milton Lear (born July 27 1922 in New Haven Connecticut) is an American Television writer and producer who produced such popular

When Channel 4 had the rights to broadcast test match cricket in England, the downtime of the FilmFour channel was often used to broadcast uninterrupted coverage of a match when the main channel was committed elsewhere, usually to racing. Cricket is a bat-and-ball team Sport that originated in England and is now played in more than 100 countries At these times FilmFour was available unencrypted and free-to-air.

E4

Main article: E4 (channel)

E4, a digital entertainment channel previously available on the Internet, with a target age-range of 16-34, was launched in January 2001. E4 is a digital television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, launched as a pay-TV companion to Channel 4 on 18 January The Internet is a global system of interconnected Computer networks It features premieres of US imports and supplementary footage for programmes on its main channel (most notably extended Big Brother coverage). Big Brother is a Reality television series broadcast in the United Kingdom and

In 2005 it launched on Digital Terrestrial. Digital Terrestrial Television ( DTTV or DTT) is an implementation of digital technology to provide a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and E4 now has as much coverage as other services available on Cable, Satellite and Digital Terrestrial like ITV2 and BBC Three. ITV2 is a 24 hour a day Free-to-air entertainment Television channel in the United Kingdom owned by ITV Digital Channels Ltd, a division of BBC Three is a television channel from the BBC broadcasting via Digital cable, terrestrial, IPTV and satellite platforms It is a very successful channel with a first look or sneak peek, with the next episode of some series, such as Hollyoaks and Desperate Housewives appearing on E4 immediately after the show on Channel 4 has finished. Hollyoaks is a British television Soap opera which was first broadcast on 23 October 1995 on Channel 4. Desperate Housewives is an American Television Dramedy series created by Marc Cherry, who also serves as Show runner, and produced Also they have "Second Chance Sunday" which allows you to see programmes you have missed during the week on a Sunday. New show Skins was a massive success for E4, peaking at the 2 million mark - one of the most viewed premieres in digital TV history. Skins is a BAFTA -winning British comedic Teen drama from Company Pictures which premièred on E4 on 25 January 2007 There has, however, been some criticism that E4 (like many other digital channels), relies on seemingly endless repeats of a small selection of shows (notably Friends), with further suggestion that it is often the same season of a particular show that is endlessly repeated. Friends was an

During Big Brother, E4 plays host to live coverage of the show, subject to a delay. Until 2005, programmes on the channel didn't air until 14. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 00 GMT, but on August 12, 2005 the widely-advertised E4 Music airs from 06. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 00 until 14. 00 GMT, with various music shows and videos being showcased. This however is rested during Big Brother.

E4 is widely available in the Republic of Ireland in close to 70% of homes. Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. It is carried on the NTL / Chorus cable networks and also on Sky Digital. NTL Communications (Ireland Limited is a Cable television and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS company in the Republic of Ireland. Chorus Communications is a Communications provider in Ireland, it offers Internet, Television and Telephone services The channel operates a separate advertising opt-out in the Republic allowing advertisers to directly target Irish audiences. Brooklyn Book Festival crowd by David Shankbonejpg|thumb|An audience at the Brooklyn Book Festival in New York City. This has been a highly successful commercial operation and all airtime sales are handled on the channels behalf by Medialink in Dublin. Medialink is a media representation company based in Ireland.

More4

Main article: More4

More4 is a channel aimed at those aged 35–60. More4 is a Digital television channel produced by United Kingdom broadcaster Channel 4, that launched on 10 October 2005. Launched on 10 October 2005, it channel carries news and nightly discussion programmes, such as More4 News, an extension of Channel 4 News that attempts to look "beyond the headlines", giving in-depth analysis. Events 680 - Battle of Karbala: Shia Imam Husayn bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is decapitated Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Channel 4 News is the news division of British TV broadcaster Channel 4. Advertising before the launch of the channel flaunted such HBO shows as Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Sopranos, as well as NBC's The West Wing. Curb Your Enthusiasm is an American Sitcom starring Seinfeld writer co-creator and executive producer Larry David as himself and The Sopranos is an American Television drama series created by David Chase. The National Broadcasting Company ( NBC) is an American Television network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Its conception has met conflicting responses; many people believe the programmes shown to be of great quality, while others see it as an excuse to free up more room for a deluge of property programmes or less respectable programmes (see Fat Pets) in all other free slots on Channel 4.

'+1' Channels

Channel 4 runs time-shift variants of its E4, More4 and Film4 services, and from August 20, 2007 has run Channel 4 +1^[21] across all digital platforms. Events 636 - Battle of Yarmouk: Arab forces led by Khalid ibn al-Walid take control of Syria and Palestine Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. In common with many other broadcasters, these channels output exactly the same programmes and continuity as was broadcast an hour previously, and are titled with the station name followed by a "+1" suffix.

Channel 4+1, E4+1 and More4+1 all carry a "+1" indication onscreen. There was some concern about how it would be indicated on Channel 4+1 as Channel 4 doesn't carry its own on-screen graphic. Eventually, a "+1" symbol that is derived from the Channel 4 logo was unveiled. However, it should be noted that neither Film4 or Film4+1 carry on-screen graphics.

Box Television

In July 2007 Channel 4 bought 50% of Box Television Ltd for £28 m from Emap plc. Box Television (formerly Video Jukebox Network International Limited is the content subsidiary of Channel 4 and Bauer It has since emerged that, as a result of Emap's decision to sell off its divisions in a break-up sale of the group, Channel 4 may be interested in acquiring the remaining half of the business. Box TV operates 7 music TV stations (The Hits, The Box, Smash Hits, Kerrang!, Q, Kiss and Magic). The Hits was a Music video channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland owned by Box Television. The Box is a Television channel in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Smash Hits TV is a British commercial Television channel provided by Box Television. Kerrang! TV is a Digital television station owned by Box Television, which is loosely connected to the magazine Kerrang!. Q TV is a UK music channel based on Q Magazine, launched in 2000 Kiss TV is a commercial music television channel from Box Television available on the Sky Digital and Virgin Media digital TV platforms Magic TV is a British music television station owned by Box Television. Recently, it has been announced that The Hits will be re-branded as 4Music, following a deal to show branded content from Channel 4. Emap's stake in Box Television Limited was transferred to new owners, Bauer Consumer Media, following Bauer's acquisition of Emap's publishing and radio businesses.

Channel 4 HD

On December 10, 2007, Channel 4 launched a high definition television simulcast of Channel 4 on Sky HD. Events 1041 - Empress Zoe of Byzantium elevates her adoptive son to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire as Michael V Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. High-definition television (HDTV is a Digital television Broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional television systems (standard-definition Simulcast is a Portmanteau of " simul taneous broad' cast' " and refers to programs or events broadcast across more than one It is planned to roll out on other platforms "in the future". ^[22]

The channel carries the same schedule as Channel 4, broadcasting programmes in HD when available. Initially this has been mostly American imports (such as Ugly Betty for example) and movies, however, original programming such as Hollyoaks and Skins have been broadcast in HD. Hollyoaks is a British television Soap opera which was first broadcast on 23 October 1995 on Channel 4. Although the intention is to increase the amount of "home grown" material being broadcast in HD. It has been announced as the UK's first full-time high definition channel from a terrestrial broadcaster.

Previously, in the summer of 2006, Channel 4 ran a six month closed trial of HDTV, as part of the wider Freeview HD experiment in London^[23], including the use of Lost and Desperate Housewives as part of the experiment, as US broadcasters such as ABC already have a HDTV back catalogue. High-definition television (HDTV is a Digital television Broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional television systems (standard-definition The United Kingdom now has three major forms of broadcast Digital television (DTV a direct-to-home satellite service provided by either British Sky Broadcasting Lost is an Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning American serial drama television series. Desperate Housewives is an American Television Dramedy series created by Marc Cherry, who also serves as Show runner, and produced The American Broadcasting Company ( ABC) is an American Television network.

Previous Channels

At The Races

Main article: At the Races

In 2000, Channel 4 launched a dedicated horse racing channel, At the Races. At The Races is a British Television channel, originally co-founded with Channel 4, but now owned by a partnership between British Sky Broadcasting However, for a combination of financial and legal reasons the channel ceased broadcasting in 2003. It was subsequently bought by BSkyB and relaunched in June 2004. British Sky Broadcasting ( BSkyB — Sky Television and BSB) is a company that operates Sky Digital, a subscription television service in the Channel 4 has no involvement with the new At The Races, which is branded with almost identical livery as Sky Sports. Channel 4's racing coverage, re-named to incorporate "At The Races" in the title, returned to its original name of Channel 4 Racing when the channel left involvement with At The Races. Channel 4 Racing is the name of the Horse racing coverage on Channel 4. Channel 4 racing programmes now feature close co-operation with rival digital racing channel Racing UK, who sub-licence the live rights and share the same production company. Racing UK is a subscription-only channel airing Horse racing from 30 UK courses Channel 4 cross-promote Racing UK's coverage of the day's racing during its broadcasts.

Quiz Call

Main article: Quiz Call

4Ventures previously owned Ostrich Media Limited, a company which ran the participation television station, Quiz Call. Quiz Call is a late night/early morning phone-in quiz TV show produced by Ostrich Media (owned by iTouch for Five, Five US and Fiver In November 2006, Channel 4 confirmed that it had sold Ostrich Media Limited to iTouch. ^[24] Channel 4 cited the fact that strong competition in the UK participation television market had meant that it was no longer easy to make profits from participation TV as the reason for selling. The space occupied by QuizCall on Freeview wasn't included as part of the sale. Consequently, the channel left Channel 4's space on Freeview on 15 November 2006, and was replaced in the short term by Film4+1. Events 655 - Battle of Winwaed: Penda of Mercia is defeated by Oswiu of Northumbria. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[25] Channel 4 director of television, Kevin Lygo, confirmed the plan to launch a new channel in the longer term. However, he was reported not to be satisfied with the first round of ideas submitted to him (a US acquisitions channel, a comedy channel and a T4 youth brand channel) and is now canvassing further options. ^[24]

Radio

4 Digital Group

Main article: 4 Digital Group

Channel 4 is the leading member of a the 4 Digital Group consortium, which includes EMAP, UTV and SMG as partners (although SMG's involvement will cease when Virgin Radio is floated as a separate company). 4 Digital Group was a media Consortium in the United Kingdom The group won the licence to operate the second national DAB radio Multiplex, as advertised 4 Digital Group was a media Consortium in the United Kingdom The group won the licence to operate the second national DAB radio Multiplex, as advertised EMAP is a British media company specializing in the production of B2b magazines and the organization of business events and conferences For other uses of the UTV acronym see UTV (disambiguation UTV (formerly Ulster Television) is a Television channel based In July 2007 The group was awarded the 12 year licence to operate the second UK national DAB radio licence after having defeated its only rival, National Grid Wireless, in the three-month bidding process. Digital Audio Broadcasting ( DAB) also known as Eureka 147, is a Digital radio technology for Broadcasting Radio stations used in National Grid Wireless (formerly Crown Castle UK is a company which provides Telecommunications Infrastructure and broadcast transmission ^[26]

The service will operate ten radio stations, including Channel 4 Radio, E4 Radio, Sky News Radio (operated by BSkyB and Global Radio UK) and Radio Disney (in association with Disney). British Sky Broadcasting ( BSkyB — Sky Television and BSB) is a company that operates Sky Digital, a subscription television service in the Global Radio Group is a UK radio company Senior personnel include Charles Allen, Richard Park and Ashley Tabor Many of the services, especially Channel 4 Radio and E4 Radio, will attempt to compete directly with national BBC Radio stations. Podcast and text services will also be provided when the stations go on air in 2008. A podcast is a series of audio or Video digital-media files which is distributed over the Internet by syndicated Download ^[27]

4radio

In June 2006 Channel 4 launched 4radio^[28], offering audio programmes in the shape of podcasts aimed at introducing new public service radio services informed by C4’s values of creativity and innovation. Coupled with its strategy of becoming a truly multimedia company, 4radio hosts shows that tie in with its flagship TV hits including Big Brother, Lost, and Channel 4 News. Lost is an Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning American serial drama television series.

The successful multiplex consortium is not expected to launch until 2008. However a taste of Channel 4 Radio's audio output was made available earlier,^[28] including a revival of the channel's The Tube ^[29] music programme, and a very small amount of 4radio-branded content could be heard on Oneword until its closure in January 2008. The Tube was an innovative United Kingdom pop/rock music television programme which ran for 5 series from November 5, 1982 until Oneword Radio was a British commercial digital radio station featuring Books, drama, comedy, Children's programming

Oneword

Main article: Oneword

Oneword is a digital radio station featuring the spoken word. Oneword Radio was a British commercial digital radio station featuring Books, drama, comedy, Children's programming In the United Kingdom the roll-out of digital radio is proceeding since test transmissions were started by the BBC in 1990 In early 2005 Channel 4 purchased a minority stake in it, later that year buying a majority one worth £1,000,000. On 4 January 2007 it was announced that had Channel 4 sold its 51% stake back to UBC Media for £1. Events 46 BC - Titus Labienus defeats Julius Caesar in the Battle of Ruspina. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Its normal programming was suspended while a strategic review took place on the station. ^[30] The station ceased broadcasting on Friday 11th January 2008.

Channel4. com

The station's website is channel4.com. The site offers detailed programme information, highlights, and chats with actors and presenters of all Channel 4 channels. It also has in-depth sections including news, film, homes, sport, and more. News is any new information or information on Current events which is presented by print, broadcast, Internet, or Word of mouth A home is a place of Residence or Refuge. It is usually a place where an individual or a family can rest in and be able to store Personal property. Sport is an Activity that is governed by a set of rules or Customs and often engaged in competitively Its learning sections are often used by many for educational needs.

4oD

Launched in November 2006, 4oD stands for "4 on Demand", a service which allows some internet, Virgin Media, Tiscali TV and BT Vision users to view programming recently shown on Channel 4, E4 or More4, or from their archives. Virgin Media Inc (formerly known as ntlTelewest, after a merger of NTL Incorporated with Telewest Global Inc Tiscali TV may refer to Tiscali TV (Italy, IPTV service in Italy Tiscali TV (UK, IPTV service in the United Kingdom BT Vision is a service provided in the United Kingdom supplied by BT Retail. 4oD also includes a selection of films and content from the National Geographic Channel and FX (UK). National Geographic Channel, also called Nat Geo, is a subscription television network that features Documentaries produced by the National Geographic Society FX is a TV channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned by Fox, launched in 12 January 2004 and originally ^[31] The cable version is operated through an appropriate set top box whilst the internet variant requires the installation of a free piece of software, which allows users to download the programmes to a computer for viewing. A set-top box (STB or set-top unit (STU is a device that connects to a Television and an external source of signal, turning the signal into

The services are limited to UK and Republic of Ireland viewers only, and the internet version is at present further limited to Windows XP and Windows Vista, PC users only. ^[31] This is due to the proprietary Microsoft DRM system chosen for the service, being only available to that platform at this time. Proprietary software is Computer software on which the producer has set restrictions on use private modification copying, or republishing. Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational Computer technology Corporation, which rose to dominate the Home computer Digital rights management ( DRM) is a generic term that refers to Access control technologies used by hardware manufacturers publishers and Copyright holders Channel 4 state that this choice of system is at the stipulation of many of the programme copyright holders, thus such a limitation is unavoidable if their programmes are to be made available in this way. ^[31] At this time there is no widespread, secure multiplatform DRM technology available which is accepted by the major content producers, including the Hollywood studios - although the BBC's rival offering, BBC iPlayer, has a Flash-based streaming option available on several operating systems including Linux and Mac OS. Adobe Flash (previously called Shockwave Flash and Macromedia Flash) is a set of Multimedia software created by Macromedia and currently Linux (commonly pronounced ˈlɪnəks Mac OS is the trademarked name for a series of Graphical user interface -based Operating systems developed by Apple Inc The "Catch-up" service offers content free of charge for both streaming and downloaded versions of a programme for thirty days after its broadcast on Channel 4. Some content is available free of charge, whilst most other programmes and films, including archive programming, is charged for on a per-download basis, typically around 99p per standard programme or £1. 99 per film. ^[31] Video can be viewed multiple times, for up to forty-eight hours after the first time it was played, or for a month until played. The video on the internet service is advertised as being 'DVD quality', and estimates download time to be around twice the programme length on an average broadband connection, though speeds vary dramatically dependent on ISP, connection speed and other factors, and may be less or more than this. An Internet service provider ( ISP, also called Internet access provider or IAP) is a company which primarily offers their customers access to the Internet

A Download to Own (DTO) or "Buy" feature is also available on selected content, allowing users to purchase a programme and keep it for as long as they wish.

The 4oD internet service uses exactly the same technology (Kontiki Delivery Manager and Microsoft DRM) as the BBC iPlayer test service that was successfully trailed at the end of 2005. Kontiki is a peer-assisted content delivery technology company founded in November of 2000 It launched in 2007, with an additional Flash based service launching in December of that year. The BBC service makes no charge for watching recently aired programmes. It is also the same technology used by the Sky Anytime service. Sky Anytime is the brand-name of a range of services from BSkyB designed to compete with Video on demand services currently offered by cable companies such as

4Music

Over recent years 4Music has risen, showing new single releases, as well as other music shows frequently broadcasted across T4, Channel 4 and E4. 2007 saw its own logo being devised and since then has had many themed weekends dedicated to a current band or performer. In February 2008, it announced there'd be a 4Music takeover weekend on The Hits

On Sundays, Channel 4's 4Music strand airs between 5. The Hits was a Music video channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland owned by Box Television. 00pm & 12. 00am (Midnight) on The Hits. The Hits was a Music video channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland owned by Box Television. The first 'episode' was presented by the Sugababes, however 4Music Sundays are meant to feature live acts and also The Shockwaves Album Chart Show. Sugababes are a BRIT Award -winning English pop group trio from London.

On February 20th 2008, it was announced that The Hits was to be rebranded as 4Music later in the year

Teletext

4-Tel/FourText

Main article: FourText

Channel 4 originally licensed an ancillary teletext service to provide schedules, programme information and features. FourText (originally 4-Tel) was the British Channel 4 's ancillary Teletext service from the 1980s until 2003 The original service was called 4-Tel and was provided in collaboration with Oracle. ORACLE (from "Optional Reception of Announcements by Coded Line Electronics" was a commercial Teletext service first broadcast on ITV in 1974 ^[32] In 1993, with Oracle losing its franchise to Teletext Ltd, the running of 4-Tel was taken over by Intelfax^[32], and in 2002 was renamed FourText. Teletext Ltd is the provider of Teletext & Digital Interactive services for ITV, Channel 4 and Five in the United Kingdom.

Teletext on 4

Main article: Teletext on 4

In 2003, Channel 4 awarded Teletext Ltd a ten year contract to run the channel's ancillary teletext service, named Teletext on 4. Teletext on 4 has been the name of two different text and Teletext services in the on Channel 4 and S4C in the United Kingdom. ^[33] The service is provided on both Channel 4 analogue and digital television services, Channel 4, E4 and More4.

Corporate Structure

Management

Channel 4 is run by a chief executive, whose role can be compared to that of the Director-General of the BBC. The Director-General is chief executive and (from 1944 Editor-in-chief of the BBC. The chief executive is appointed by the chairman, which is a part-time position appointed by Ofcom. The Office of Communications (Y Swyddfa Gyfathrebiadau or as it is more often known Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the Communication

Chairmen

• Edmund Dell (1982–87)
• Richard Attenborough (1987–92)
• Michael Bishop (1993–97)
• Vanni Treves (January 1998 – December 2003)
• Luke Johnson (January 2004– )

Chief executives

• Jeremy Isaacs (1981–87)
• Michael Grade (1988–97)
• Michael Jackson (1997–2001)
• Mark Thompson (March 2002 – June 2004)
• Andy Duncan (July 2004– )

Financial information

Channel 4's total revenue for the year to 31 December 2005 was £894. Edmund Emanuel Dell PC ( August 15 1921 &ndash October 28 1999) was a British politician and businessman Richard Samuel Attenborough Baron Attenborough Sir Michael Bishop, CBE (born February 10, 1942) is a British businessman who has spent his working life in civil aviation Vanni Treves (born in Florence, Italy in 1940) is a former Chairman of Channel 4 and a former Senior Partner of City law firm Luke Oliver Johnson (born 2 February, 1962) is a British serial Entrepreneur, best known for his involvement with Pizza Express. Sir Jeremy Isaacs (born 28 September 1932) is a British television producer and executive winner of many BAFTA awards and international Michael Ian Grade CBE (born March 8, 1943) is a British Businessman and a distinguished figure in the field of Broadcasting Michael Richard Jackson (born 11 February 1958 is a British Television producer and executive Mark Thompson (born July 31 1957) is Director-General of the BBC, a post he has held since 2004 and a former chief executive of Andy Duncan (born July 31 1962) is the chief executive of Channel 4 television in the United Kingdom. Events 406 – Vandals, Alans and Suebians cross the Rhine, beginning an invasion of Gallia. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 3 million, of which £735. 2 million was generated by its main channel, and the remainder by its subsidiaries channels, sales of programming rights to other broadcasters, Film Four and "new media". Operating profits for the year to 31 December 2006 fell 70% to £14. Events 406 – Vandals, Alans and Suebians cross the Rhine, beginning an invasion of Gallia. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. 5 million from £56. 9 million in 2005. [5]

Headquarters

Originally based at 60 Charlotte Street (the same building in which former chief executive Jeremy Isaacs later originally based his Artsworld channel), close to the BT Tower in London's film and media heartland, Channel 4 has occupied since 1994 a distinctive, purpose-designed building at 124 Horseferry Road, Westminster, designed by Richard Rogers Partnership with structural engineering by Ove Arup & Partners. The BT Tower is a tall cylindrical building in London, England. Horseferry Road is a street in the City of Westminster in central London, England, running between Millbank and Greycoat Place The City of Westminster ( is a borough of London with city status. Richard George Rogers Baron Rogers of Riverside, CH, FRIBA (born 23 July 1933) is a British Architect noted Structural engineers analyze design plan and research structural components and Structural systems Their work takes account mainly of technical economic and environmental Arup is a professional services firm providing Engineering, Design, Planning, Project management and Consulting services for Architecturally it follows on from, but is more restrained than, the Lloyd's building in the City of London, and was constructed between 1991 and 1994. The Lloyd's Building is the home of the insurance institution Lloyd's of London, and is located at One Lime Street, in the City of London, England For London as a whole see the main article London. The City of London is a geographically ^[34] It was built on the former site of a Methodist teacher-training college, which occupied a neo-Gothic campus intermittently from its foundation in 1851 until World War II, when the buildings were badly damaged by an incendiary bomb. Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including The College eventually moved to a purpose-built site in Oxford in 1959 and became Westminster College, Oxford. Oxford is currently bidding for the 2010 Wikimania Conference Oxford () is a city, and the County town of Oxfordshire, Westminster College Oxford was founded in 1851 in Horseferry Road, London, and originally specialised in the training of teachers for Methodist schools

Despite commissioning all programmes from independent production companies, the Channel 4 headquarters contains a studio and post production facility, marketed as 124 Facilities. The studio has been used for Channel 4 programmes (such as T4 continuity), and third party programmes (such as the base for Five's football coverage). The studio was closed at the end of October 2007.

Regions

Channel 4 has, since its inception, broadcast identical programmes and continuity throughout the UK (excluding Wales where it does not operate on analogue transmitters). Continuity is a term used in Broadcasting, especially in the United Kingdom, to refer to announcements messages and graphics played by the broadcaster between At launch this made it unique, as both the BBC and ITV had long established traditions of providing regional variations in their programming and announcements between transmitters in different areas of the country (although in the case of BBC2, variations have by and large tended to be limited to national idents as opposed to regional ones). Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent A regional variation generally refers to times when a television or radio station simultaneously broadcasts different programmes, continuity or Adverts to different In ITV's case, this was a consequence of its inherent federal structure (see ITV companies). Independent Television (generally known as ITV) is a public service network of British commercial television broadcasters set up under the Independent Since the launch of subsequent British television channels, Channel 4 has become typical in its lack of variations of this nature.

A few exceptions exist to this rule for programming and continuity: The Republic of Ireland has a dedicated variant broadcast on Sky Digital which omits programmes for which broadcast rights are not held in the Republic, whilst some schools' programming (1980s/early 90s) were regionalised due to differences in curricula between different regions of the UK. Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. Sky Digital is the brand name for British Sky Broadcasting 's digital Satellite television service transmitted from SES Astra satellites located at 28 ^[35]

Part of Channel 4's remit covers the commissioning of programmes from outside of London. Channel 4 has a dedicated director of nations and regions (Stuart Cosgrove), who is based in a regional office in Glasgow. As his job title suggests, it is his responsibility to foster relations with independent producers based in areas of the UK (including Wales) outside of London.

Advertising on Channel 4 does contain regular variation: Prior to 1993, when ITV was responsible for selling Channel 4's advertising, each regional ITV company would provide the content of advertising breaks, covering the same transmitter area as themselves, and these breaks were often unique to that area. After Channel 4 became responsible for its own advertising, it continued to offer advertisers the ability to target particular audiences and divided its coverage area into six parts coining the term 'LEMNUS' standing for "London, The East [and South] of England, The Midlands, The North of England, Ulster and Scotland. Ulster ( Ulaidh ˈkwɪɟɪ ˈʌlˠu / ˈʌlˠi is one of the four provinces of Ireland, in addition to Connacht, Munster and Leinster Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. ^[36] At present, Wales does not have its own advertising region, instead its viewers receive the southern region on digital platforms intentionally broadcast to the area, or the neighbouring region where analogue transmissions spill over into Wales. The Republic of Ireland shares its advertising region with Northern Ireland (referred to by Channel 4 as the 'Ulster Macro') with many advertisers selling products for the Republic here. ^[37] E4 also has an advertising variant for the Republic. E4 is a digital television channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, launched as a pay-TV companion to Channel 4 on 18 January ^[37]

The six regions are also carried on satellite, cable and Digital Terrestrial. Five and GMTV use a similar model to Channel 4 for providing their own advertising regions, despite also having a single national output of programming. GMTV ( Good Morning Television) is the national ITV Breakfast television contractor broadcasting in the United Kingdom.

Annual Reports and Financial Statements

Annual Reports and Financial Statements 1983-Present

References

See also

• List of British television channels
• Channel 4 programming
• List of Channel 4 television programmes
• 3 Minute Wonder
• Channel 4 Sheffield Pitch competition
• Annan Committee

External links

• Channel4.com
• Channel4Radio.com
• Media Guardian special report on Channel 4

This is a list of TV services available on digital terrestrial satellite internet streaming and cable systems in the United Kingdom. In common with the other main British stations broadcast on analogue, Channel 4 airs a highly comprehensive range of programming In common with the other main British stations broadcast on analogue, Channel 4 airs a highly comprehensive range of programming 3 Minute Wonder is a short Channel 4 television slot that broadcasts first time directors' three-minute TV programmes in the middle of the channel's weekday Primetime The Channel 4 Sheffield Pitch is an annual competition sponsored by British public-service television broadcaster Channel 4, which seeks to offer one new documentary The Annan Committee on the future of broadcasting was established in April 1974 to discuss the United Kingdom broadcasting industry including new technologies and their funding

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