Channel 4 unveils a major initiative aimed at boosting the UK creative industry from top to bottom.
- The broadcaster launches a £10 million per year 4Skills programme to enhance TV production skills and training.
- A new £6 million Accelerate programme will support career growth for behind-the-scenes talent in regional hubs.
- Channel 4 pledges to increase regional content commissioning by one-third by 2028, strengthening its non-London presence.
- Senior leadership appointments in Glasgow and Leeds will drive the strategy forward.
Channel 4 has announced a significant plan to support the UK creative industries, particularly through its 4Skills programme which receives a doubled annual budget of £10 million. This initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing skills and production roles across the nation, ensuring inclusive growth in the media sector.
The newly launched Accelerate programme, a prominent feature of 4Skills, is backed with a £6 million investment over two years. It is designed to aid over 100 behind-the-scenes professionals in advancing their careers. This initiative aims to retain and enhance talent within regional production clusters, empowering them to gain crucial experience and grow in their current cities.
In a move to decentralise its operations further, Channel 4 plans to boost its content commissioning in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales by one-third, raising it from 9% to 12% of main channel content by 2028. Already, a third of the commissioning team is situated outside London, highlighting the channel’s dedication to regional representation.
Leadership changes accompany these structural shifts. Jo Street assumes the role of Director of Commissioning for Nations and Regions, spearheading efforts to enhance Channel 4’s out-of-London initiatives. Working alongside top executives like Ian Katz and Sinéad Rocks, Street is tasked with driving investment and supporting regional production capabilities.
Furthermore, Channel 4’s strategy includes a focus on strengthening leadership skills and business acumen within independent production companies. Through collaborative efforts with National and Regional screen agencies, the channel aspires to bolster sustainable production efforts, meeting its ‘Fast Forward’ commissioning strategy.
Channel 4’s comprehensive strategy seeks to redefine regional production, enabling a balanced growth of creative talent nationwide.
