MGEITF 2005: Channel 4 Boss Makes The Case For Public Funding

Channel 4 faces a rocky road of change following digital switchover, according to the broadcaster’s chief executive Andy Duncan, who made his latest case for public funding, and investment in new technology, at the annual Edinburgh International TV Festival.

The broadcast boss stated that Channel 4’s request for public funding is not an immediate one, “it’s about ten years down the line,” he said. “We’re not asking for money now, we’re not asking for anything. What we would like is for the door to be left open for public funding in the future.”

Calling on Government policy makers to install provisions for the broadcaster in current legislation, Duncan said: “This year, next year, we’re fine. Issues start to crop up after switchover. If you look at the implications of switchover and new technology, then it’s a brave man who says ad revenues will be unaffected.

“There will be competition from global players. Microsoft, Google and BT are all looking to get in on the act. What we would like policy makers to do is put funding measures in place now that kick in in ten years time.”

Speaking in an on-stage interview with former BBC director general Greg Dyke, Duncan reflected on his first year at the head of Channel 4, as well as his past roles launching Freeview and working as a marketing guru for the BBC.

On the launch of Freeview, and the possible development of other free-to-air platforms, he said: “Freeview was ultimately a big piece of opportunism, but executed beautifully. At the BBC, Sky were always seen as the enemy – but for me it wasn’t like that, it was purely consumer led and much more about how to get the BBC into more homes.”

“If a free satellite platform develops then Channel 4 wouldn’t want to miss out on that the way we missed out on Freeview, but a lot depends on what the BBC and ITV do first.”

Duncan also reflected on his decision last year to scrap plans for a Channel 4 merger with Five (see

On future strategy, Duncan outlined plans to broaden the broadcaster’s digital family of channels, claiming that a lot of digital offerings “aren’t doing anything different.”

“I think there’s a place for us there, and it will squeeze other people, and there will be a shakedown,” he said, before explaining that new media would also be an area of focus over the coming months.

“I think broadband is exciting, but mobile is the one that no-one has thought right through yet. Look at the numbers, more than one mobile per head in Britain – I think Channel 4 has a big part to play there.”

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com Edinburgh International TV Festival: www.mgeitf.co.uk