Channel 4’s plans to expand its Bristol hub as part of ambitions to bolster its presence outside of London have been described as “fantastic” by West of England mayor Dan Norris.
The broadcaster has unveiled a strategy to increase investment across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including creating 600 jobs, as it marks five years since opening regional offices. The company, which has a base at Finzels Reach in Bristol as well as sites in Leeds and Glasgow, is actively hiring roles in the West Country.
Mr Norris said the channel’s new £6m ‘Accelerate’ initiative, aimed at nurturing behind-the-scenes production talent, aligned with the West of England’s “focus on growing local skills and fostering creative excellence”.
“This is fantastic news for Bristol and the wider West of England,” he said. “Channel 4’s expansion and investment in skills will help to ensure that our region remains a leading place for creativity, offering more and more opportunities for local talented people.”
The mayor said the doubling of Channel 4’s training and skills programme to £10m would also bring “further opportunities” to people across the region.
“The commitment to recruiting locally will further cement Bristol’s place on the UK’s creative map,” he added.
Earlier this month, Channel 4 reported it had fallen to a record loss after a drop in television advertising. Total revenue fell by 10.4% to £1.02bn in 2023, with a 9.7% drop in advertising revenue, resulting in a loss of £52m. However, digital revenues increased by 10% to £280m over the period.
The broadcaster’s chief executive, Alex Mahon, said at the time: “In 2024, we have set out the next phase of Channel 4’s growth with a robust and ambitious strategy for the future and have seen a stabilisation of the advertising market.”