Channel 4 launches initiatives to deepen commitment to Leeds

Channel 4 marked its official arrival in Leeds with the announcement of a series of initiatives designed to underpin its commitment to “get closer” to the nations and regions.

The broadcaster will launch a Leeds-based Emerging Indie Fund to provide support for independent production business to develop.

Its Indie Growth Fund, which will also be based in Leeds, has been re-focused to prioritise investment in Nations and Regions, BAME-led and digital companies.

Channel 4 has also committed to ensuring 50% of its apprenticeships and 75% of production training scheme placements take place outside of London.

Its National HQ has this week been set up at West Gate in Leeds city centre before its permanent move to the prominent Majestic site next year.

Chief executive Alex Mahon speaking at Channel 4’s event to mark the launch of its national HQ in Leeds

“Tonight is only the beginning of us making that difference. For us as Channel Four its the biggest change we’ve had in our 37 year history, and it’s really the start of a new era for us.”

Around 250 Channel 4 jobs will be based in Leeds and the National HQ will house a range of creative, digital and technology departments.

It is part of its Nations and Regions strategy which, after a long bidding process last year, resulted in Leeds being chosen ahead of Manchester and Birmingham.

Smaller creative hubs are also being opened in Bristol and Glasgow, while the broadcaster will retain its London headquarters.

Sinead Rocks

“The opening of our National HQ marks the start of something very special as it’ll give Channel 4 the opportunity to work more closely with regional organisations, businesses and indies and seek out new, untapped talent.”

Leeds will also be home to programme commissioners across a range of genres including comedy, daytime, entertainment, E4, popular factual and sport including head of drama, Caroline Hollick and head of sport, Pete Andrews.

Channel 4’s new Digital Creative Unit, an in-house digital agency commissioning and producing content for social and digital platforms, will also be based in Leeds.

Channel 4 News will establish a news hub in Leeds with the ability to regularly co-anchor the programme – and in 2020 Channel 4 will launch a live daytime show filmed in the city.

The latest commitments from Channel 4 were widely welcomed by leaders from across the city region. Cllr Judith Blake and Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, the leaders of Leeds and Bradford councils, were among those present at the event to support the broadcaster’s commitment to its new home.

Blake said: “The announcement that Channel 4 will be joining us in Leeds has acted as a huge catalyst for growth in our film, TV and creative sectors over the past year as well as creating an unprecedented buzz about what the future holds for everyone involved in those industries.

“This an exciting time to be in Leeds and to be part of making that shared vision of our city as a hub for creativity and innovation a reality.”

Roger Marsh, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, whose team was critical to the success of the bid, added: “In choosing Leeds City Region for its National HQ, Channel 4 couldn’t be better placed for attracting staff from our diverse communities, towns and cities.

“The new roles provide a range of exciting and innovative opportunities for people at all stages in their career, whether that’s new into developing digital content or an experienced commissioner.

“They clearly demonstrate the magnitude of commitment Channel 4 has made. Welcome Channel 4. We’re delighted to play a part in this bold new era.”