Hull will be pitching for one of three creative hubs to be set up by Channel 4 following the announcement made by by broadcaster that a pitch process will be launched in April.
The move, called 4 All The UK, will see a National HQ established outside of London, alongside two new smaller creative hubs in the nations and regions in 2019 – home to 300 Channel 4 jobs, including key creative decision-makers, with the intention to grow over time.
The broadcaster will increase its outlay on nations and regions content significantly, from 35 per cent to 50 per cent of main channel UK commissions, by 2023 – a rise of more than £250 million.
Mark Jones MBE, Director of Regeneration, said:
“We are proud to have been recognised by Channel 4 as a potential destination for one of its new creative hubs.
“No one should be in any doubt about the sheer ambition of this city. From a City of Culture year that exceeded all expectations to attracting global companies like Siemens, we have proven what can be achieved when businesses, the council and residents work together for the benefit of Hull.
“We think Hull shares Channel 4’s creative vision and values. With £3 billion of investment already delivered in the city, our future is bright. So why not Hull?”
Alex Mahon, Channel 4’s Chief Executive said;
“As a public service broadcaster with diversity in its DNA, Channel 4 has a unique ability to reflect our society. This is a significant and exciting moment of change for Channel 4 as we evolve to ensure we are best suited to serve all of the UK.
“With this new strategy we will go even further to make sure that people right across the UK are represented on screen and in the make up of our own organisation – and it will also build on what we already do to support creative businesses, jobs and economies in the Nations & Regions.”
Channel 4 News will also expand its footprint in the nations and regions opening new bureaux giving a huge boost to regional representation, aiming to become the first peak-time national news programme to co-anchor from both London and the Nations & Regions from 2020.
A decision on the location of the hubs is set be made in quarter three of this year.
