Channel 4 increases spend with Northern production companies by 15%

countdown

Channel 4 increased its spend on content commissioned from production companies in the North by 15% last year, its annual report has revealed.

The broadcaster said it spent a total of £186million across its TV portfolio on content commissioned from production companies based in the Nations and the English Regions.

Of that, £152m went to the English Regions – up 5% on 2017 – and 39% of that went to Northern companies, up from 34% in 2017.

Major commissions from the North this year included Countdown, made by ITV Studios.

In volume terms, Channel 4 recorded its highest ever level of investment in the Nations and Regions, sourcing 59% of the hours of first-run originated programmes on its main channel from suppliers based outside London.

In spend terms, 45% of Channel 4’s expenditure on first-run originated programming on the main channel was on programmes from suppliers outside London, the same level as 2017.

The news comes as Channel 4 begins its move to a new national headquarters in Leeds, as well as new creative hubs in Bristol and Glasgow, involving 300 roles and a spend of at least £50m.

Overall, the broadcaster grew revenues by £15m to £975m, ensuring a surplus of £5m, with total net assets of £439m (2017 £446m) alongside cash reserves of £180m (2017 £190m).

Subscribe to the Prolific North Daily Newsletter Today!

Want all the latest content from Prolific North delivered direct to your inbox daily? Of course you do!

pn-pl-events-independent-agencies-dinner-1024x1024
It takes place in Manchester on July 4th
Get your tickets for the Independent Agencies Dinner

Related News

Sign up to the Prolific North Daily Newsletter

Keep up with the latest developments in the creative, digital, tech, media, and marketing industries in the North