Channel 4

Channel 4 (On Demand) 2023

Multi coloured 4, 124 Horseferry Road, London

The Majestic (Channel 4)

Channel 4 logo 1982

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Channel 4 logo 1996

Channel 4 logo 1999

Channel 4

Country	United Kingdom
Broadcast area	United Kingdom
Headquarters	London
Programming
Language(s)	English
Picture format	1080i HDTV
Ownership
Owner	Channel Four Television Corporation
Sister channels	E4, More4, Film4, 4Music
History
Launched	2 November 1982
Links
Website	www.channel4.com
Availability
Terrestrial
Freeview	Channel 4
Streaming media
All 4	Watch live

Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster that began transmission on 2 November 1982. It is wholly owned by the Channel Four Television Corporation, a public corporation of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

History

Channel 4 was established to provide a fourth television service to the United Kingdom in addition to the existing BBC One, BBC Two, and ITV. The channel was created to cater to minority interests and to provide an alternative to the mainstream offerings of the other three channels.

Programming

Channel 4 is known for its distinctive and often controversial programming. It has a remit to provide innovative and experimental content, which has led to the commissioning of a wide range of shows across various genres, including drama, comedy, documentary, and reality TV. Notable programs include The Great British Bake Off, Black Mirror, and Gogglebox.

News and Current Affairs

Channel 4 News is the channel's flagship news program, known for its in-depth analysis and investigative journalism. The program is produced by ITN and has won numerous awards for its coverage of national and international events.

Drama and Comedy

Channel 4 has a strong reputation for its drama and comedy output. It has produced critically acclaimed series such as Skins, Shameless, and The Inbetweeners. The channel is also known for its support of new and emerging talent in the industry.

Documentaries

The channel has a long history of producing groundbreaking documentaries. Series like Dispatches and Unreported World have tackled controversial and challenging subjects, often sparking public debate.

Ownership and Funding

Channel 4 is publicly owned but commercially funded. It generates revenue through advertising and sponsorship, and it does not receive public funding through the television licence fee. The channel's unique funding model allows it to reinvest profits into new programming and initiatives.

Digital and Online Services

Channel 4 has embraced digital technology and offers a range of online services. The channel's on-demand service, All 4, provides viewers with access to a vast library of Channel 4 content, including catch-up TV, box sets, and exclusive online-only shows.

Sister Channels

Channel 4 operates several sister channels, including:

• E4 – Focuses on entertainment and comedy.
• More4 – Specializes in documentaries, dramas, and lifestyle programming.
• Film4 – Dedicated to showing films.
• 4Music – Music and entertainment channel.

See Also

• BBC
• ITV
• Channel 5
• Television in the United Kingdom
• Public broadcasting

External Links

• Official website