Leeds in the running for Channel 4 relocation bid

Leeds has thrown its hat in the ring for the relocation of Channel 4 operations.

Screen Yorkshire along with the Leeds City Region has developed a bid to hold key C4 operations.

The proposal suggests a move to the region by Channel 4 would help the broadcaster cover the under-represented parts of the country.

All the local authorities, cities, towns and industry players of Leeds City Region have come together, with Screen Yorkshire to support the bid.

A government consultation will consider whether Channel 4, which is publicly owned but funded by advertising, would move its headquarters, produce more programming outside London, and invest in more production companies to grow emerging talent.

Channel 4 says it supports 19,000 jobs throughout the UK, and spent £65m on production in the North of England last year.

This follows the news that the Yorkshire & Humber is now the UK’s fastest growing region for film and TV supported by Screen Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Content Fund, which has secured over £157m of new business to the region through its investment such as Dad’s Army, Swallows & Amazons, Testament of Youth, National Treasure and Peaky Blinders.

Roger Marsh OBE, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our bid addresses the huge imbalance that’s been allowed to develop, with virtually all investment going into the western side of the UK.

“This is not a sustainable position and we are confident that working in partnership with Channel 4 our proposals can bring positive impact and benefits to a very wide geographic area, namely the 18.2m people living on the eastern side of the UK who are currently underrepresented.

“We are convinced our ambition matches that of Channel 4: we’re both innovative challengers who like to do things differently.”

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council added: “This bid has been built on collaboration between all the Local Authorities to put together our most compelling case.

“We all recognise the benefit that a Channel 4 investment could bring. Culture, diversity and innovation runs through the DNA of Leeds City Region and is inextricably linked to the people who live here and what they do. We have the creative talent, digital expertise, great places, convenient transport links and world-class education establishments.”

Sally Joynson, chief executive of Screen Yorkshire, and worked in partnership with Leeds City Region on the response said: “Our aim in putting together this proposal was to demonstrate a strong understanding of Channel 4’s role as a public sector broadcaster: their attitude; platforms, content and insatiable appetite for engaging with new talent and voices.

“From that base, we’ve worked with the region’s independent production companies, industry suppliers, universities, schools and Local Authorities to understand the roles we can all play in building a long-term partnership with Channel 4.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council said: “This is a really exciting opportunity. It would be truly inspirational for the next generation to have such an innovative brand here, especially for the city with the youngest population.

“We’ve shown again and again, the success of the Bradford Literature Festival and the opening of the new Hockney Gallery, a dynamic approach to culture at the heart our communities.”

Photo credit: Ackley Bridge The Forge for Channel 4 Screen Yorkshire