Channel 4

Do you see any similarities between the early Channel 4 and an independent film production company?

Yes, I feel that both of the two stand for similar values in the way that they promote social realist drama. These comparable motives carry through to the media which can also be prepared. The materials produced and presented by both parties is extremely rough and ready as well as dealing with politically sensitive issues for example the film Walter…which highlights many absurd themes.

How do you think the move in 1993 to being a more commercially motivated broadcaster, with the ability to sell their own advertising space, affected Channel 4’s acquisition and commissioning decisions?

Prior to Channel 4’s independence, if a show had been unsuccessful in regards to viewers, they would not have suffered as they were not in charge of the advertisement. However, once they were in control of the advertisement it was clear to them that if they targeted a mainstream audience they would get more viewers resulting in advertising places being more profitable. Therefore, they started to present shows that were not target towards a petite audience but more towards the mainstream. Consequently, the shows were less controversial and slowly Channel 4 started to lose their unique programme style.

In what ways do you think Channel 4 have lead to innovations in British Television?

I believe that in the initial stages of Channel 4’s did begin to modernize television, this is evident from its opening night where the episodes of ‘Walter’ and other shows which causes many different reactions. However, as Channel for has become more mainstream in recent times this unique style has gradually faded.

How has Channel 4 strayed from the ethos of it’s original remit as a public service broadcaster to showcase innovation and diversity in television?

Firstly, Channel for has strayed immensely as it is no longer a non-profit organization, this means that is it no longer a PSB. Moreover, it is clear that it doesn’t no longer aim in the interest of the viewers as many mainstream shows are presented e.g Friends. These are mainstream shows as they are light-hearted fun that everyone can understand.

Does the factual programming on Channel 4 today have the same educational value as it did 25 years ago?

No, for the simply reason that Channel 4 have manipulated there factual programmes in order to make it interesting and shocking. Dispatches often focus on stories that shock where as documentaries like ‘Network 7’ had a specific topic that would only appeal to certain R’n’B fans. Therefore, Channel 4’s educational programmes have been more generalized in order to capture a wide audience, resulting in a loss of educational value.





Are there any arguments to say that Channel 4 still, in some ways stil maintains its original remit?

Yes, they still broadcast new British independent films as a rule on Film4’s fund. Moreover, they still present educational programmes for kids which are common for PSB’s. What’s more, channel 4 also present shows for example documentaries that will not always appeal to a mainstream audience.

Is Channel 4’s Ownership of Film 4 Productions an example of horizontal or vertical intergration?

Channel 4’s owner ship of Film 4 productions in a vertical integration. Channel 4 acts as indirect producers as they fund Film 4 Productions however they are mainly exhibiters of the films produces as they show the film on television.