Channel 4: A History: from Big Brother to The Great British Bake Off

Channel 4's story is one of transformation, from a toxic asset to a successful broadcaster, with ambitious programming and a new regional hub in Leeds. It has fought off privatisation and had successes such as the 2012 Paralympics and new programmes like Gogglebox.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into a dramatic decade in the fortunes of Britain's quirkiest broadcaster. It begins in 2009, when the realization struck that Channel 4's biggest money-maker, Big Brother, had become a toxic asset and would have to be discarded, coinciding with the shrinking advertising revenues in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Maggie Brown's compelling narrative, enriched by interviews with key players in Channel 4's story and exclusive access to the broadcaster's archives, takes readers behind the closed doors of boardroom battles, changes in senior management, and commissioning teams. The book also sheds light on interventions by the media regulator Ofcom and Channel 4's response to the rapidly evolving media and political landscape.

Brown vividly describes how Channel 4, under its new chief executive David Abraham, successfully fended off the threat of privatization, which became a reality after the Conservative general election victory in 2015. As a price for retaining public funding, Channel 4 underwent a significant relocation of its operations, with Leeds announced as the new 'regional hub' in 2018.

The Channel 4 story is also one of ambitious and innovative programming. With the appointment of Jay Hunt as the new director of content, radical changes were initiated in commissioning and scheduling. Brown meticulously traces the programming hits and losses during this period, including the departure of celebrity chefs, Black Mirror, and Charlie Brooker to competitors, the loss of horse racing and Formula 1, and a reevaluation of the roles of institutions such as Channel 4 News and Film 4. However, there were also successes to celebrate. The 2012 Paralympics played a pivotal role in restoring a public service sheen to Channel 4, while new programs like Gogglebox in 2013 successfully connected with younger audiences. In 2016, Channel 4 achieved a coup by acquiring The Great British Bake Off from its longtime home at the BBC.

This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of a pivotal decade in the history of Channel 4. It provides a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the broadcaster, the strategic decisions made, and the creative innovations that shaped its programming. Whether you are a fan of Channel 4 or a media enthusiast, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of broadcasting and the impact of cultural and political changes on the media landscape.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911239840