Research: Channel 4

So the BBC showed a look at a public broadcasting corporation but we now look at a TV institution that acts more as a business, its goal is to make money. Unlike the BBC which gains its funds off taxes.

Channel 4 was launched on November 2nd 1982 and is a publicly owned and commercially funded public service broadcaster. Channel 4 doesn't gain its funding from any shareholders like iTV but from advertising. Channel 4 also commissions programmes from 300+ independent broadcasters such as Endemol, the largest independent TV company which creates shows such as Big Brother and Deal or no Deal.

Channel 4's funding is purely from commercials and advertising. This unlike the TV license fee fluctuates because of things like the recession so Channel 4 could be doing well one year but almost collapse the next. If they lose out it has a knock-on effect for the company in terms of creating new shows which they may not be able to simply because of the lack of funds. There's going to be an estimated £150 million loss in advertising revenue once the digital switch over is complete in 2012. No Channel 4 are having to look more towards their main internet service: 4oD.

The broadcasters approach to funding links to its overall remit. They try to be innovative, experimental and distinctive and also aims to tackle taboo issues. Its been suggested that Channel 4 is using to much "car crash" TV.

"Car Crash TV" - Urban Dictionary Any TV program that, like a recent car crash in the street, you know you shouldn't watch, you know you'll regret looking, but you just can't help yourself!

http://www.channel4.com/