Channel 4 Spring Season

Channel 4 today launched their new season of programmes, with a total spend of £49 million. While being well satisfied with this figure, they remain bitter that it still falls short of their advertising payout to ITV of £57 million.

However, nothing could spoil their good mood or their confidence as they timed their launch for the morning after a great Oscar’s night. The channel collected 12 nominations and 2 statuettes. ‘Bob’s Birthday’ won an Oscar in animation, and there is much more animation to come in the new season. ‘The Madness of King George’ carried on a remarkable run of Channel 4-funded movies, including ‘Shallow Grave’ and ‘Four Weddings’ – however, big films do not seem to be too big a part of the Spring line up.

One of the flagships for the new season is the second ‘Brookside’ 5-nighter, covering the Jordache Trial. Channel 4 claim that last February’s week long run was not just a temporary boost, but that they have actually kept 600,000 extra viewers ever since. Another flagship for the season is the Derby, a consistent success for the channel. This year, however, it is running on a Saturday for the first time. Last year it was number 17 on the channels yearly ratings – and that was going out on a Wednesday afternoon; C4 has big hopes for it this year.

Amongst the themed seasons are a week of Wagner, a night of glam rock, a celebration of a century of film, and long look at Asia.

And, of course, there is the Channel 4 staple of comedy. In particular, there is a first series for the Hollywood-bound Lee Evans, and the return of ‘Frazier’ in a series which is really trying to pull back the old ‘Cheers’ audience by guest-starring 3 of the original cast.

C4: 0171 396 4444