Thompson Confirms Channel 4’s Public Service Commitment
Channel 4’s chief executive, Mark Thompson, has emphasised the channel’s commitment to public service broadcasting, by promising greater investment in British programming, riskier scheduling and more commitment to new talent over the coming year.
Thompson told delegates at yesterday’s Oxford Media Convention that defining and delivering its version of public service broadcasting is the single most important challenge that Channel 4 now faces.
In a speech reminiscent of his MacTaggart lecture at last year’s Edinburgh TV Festival (see GEITF 2002: Thompson Outlines New Vision For Channel 4), he insisted that Channel 4 would drive British television forward during 2003 with the biggest ever investment in content, made possible, in part, by the radical restructuring of its operations (see Channel 4 Announces Most Radical Restructure In 20 Years).
Thompson spoke of the importance of news, current affairs and the arts in the Channel 4 schedule, but called on the industry to widen its definition of public service broadcasting to include programmes such as The Book Group, Wife Swap and The Autopsy, none of which, he said, would have made it to the air in a purely commercial environment.
He went on to emphasise the importance of the recent reality-TV experiment, Jamie’s Kitchen, as prime example of public service broadcasting, saying: “Some people believe that the programme has done more to change attitudes and influence decisions among potential employers and employees than any recent initiative.”
He added: “Thoughtful inspiring television like this can jump categories and make real differences among the public.”
Thompson, who was appointed chief executive in December 2001 (see Thompson Takes The Helm At Channel 4), insisted that Channel 4 would not become defined by any single programme, genre or audience. He spoke of the need for originality across the board and highlighted the importance of a new wave of programmes, including Without Prejudice and The Salon.
He concluded his speech by reaffirming his belief in a “clear” and “contemporary” version of public service broadcasting for Channel 4, that would be delivered more “consistently” and “emphatically” over the coming months.
Channel 4: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com
Recent Television Stories from NewsLine BBC3 Launch To Be Supported By Main Terrestrial Channels Flextech Boss Tipped To Succeed Airey At Channel Five ITV Backs Blind Date After Cilla’s Departure
Subscribers can access ten years of NewsLine articles by clicking the Search button to the left