2003 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox company |
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The [[Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards]] is an award voted on by web cartoonists themselves. This was the first year that artists were invited to submit "introductions" for the awards, creating an online awards ceremony. |
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| name = Channel Four Television Corporation |
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| logo = [[File:Channel 4 New Logo.svg|150px]] |
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| caption = |
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| type = [[Statutory corporation]] |
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| traded_as = |
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| genre = |
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| fate = |
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| predecessor = Channel Four Television Company<br /><small>(subsidiary of the IBA: 2 November 1982 - 31 December 1992) |
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| successor = |
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| foundation = {{Start date|df=yes|1993}} |
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| founder = |
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| defunct = |
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| location_city = [[London]] |
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| location_country = [[United Kingdom]] |
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| locations = <!-- Number of physical locations --> |
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| area_served = |
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| key_people = [[Terence Burns, Baron Burns|Lord Burns]]<br /><small>(Chairman)</small><br />[[David Abraham (executive)|David Abraham]]<br /><small>(CEO)</small> |
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| industry = [[Mass media|Media]] |
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| products = |
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| revenue = £935.2 million (2010)<ref name=annrep>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/media/documents/corporate/annual-reports/Ch4_Annual_Report_2010_FINAL.pdf|title=Channel Four Television Corporation Report and Financial Statements 2010|accessdate=12 March 2012|publisher=Channel Four Television Corporation}}</ref> |
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| operating_income = £49.3 million (2010)<ref name=annrep/> |
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| net_income = £38.6 million (2010)<ref name=annrep/> |
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| aum = |
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| assets = £458.3 million (at 31 December 2010)<ref name=annrep/> |
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| equity = |
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| owner = |
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| num_employees = 727 (at 31 December 2010)<ref name=annrep/> |
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| parent = |
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| divisions = |
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| subsid = |
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| homepage = [http://www.channel4.com/info/corporate channel4.com/info/corporate] |
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| footnotes = |
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| intl = |
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}} |
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'''Channel Four Television Corporation''' (informally '''Channel Four''') is a publicly owned media company headquartered in London, United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmpubacc/409/40905.htm |title=Select Committee on Public Accounts Forty-Second Report |publisher=Parliament.uk |date= |accessdate=2013-06-26}}</ref> Its original and principal activity is the British national television network [[Channel 4]]. |
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==Outstanding Comic== |
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* ''[[Nowhere Girl]]'' — by [[Justine Shaw]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[Sinfest]]'' — by [[Tatsuya Ishida]] |
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* ''[[Something Positive]]'' — by [[R. K. Milholland]] |
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The company was founded in 1982 as '''Channel Four Television Company Limited''', a wholly owned subsidiary of the [[Independent Broadcasting Authority|IBA]], and became an independent [[statutory corporation]] in 1993.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/4D2/BA/201.pdf | format=PDF | title=National Assets Register of the Department of Culture Media & Sport | pages=[http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/4D2/BA/201.pdf#page=42 Page 42] | accessdate=2007-03-23}}</ref><ref name="tbsseefour">{{cite web | url=http://www.transdiffusion.org/emc/seefour/yes.php | title=Yes it's no | author=Russ J Graham | publisher=seefour by Electromusications from [http://www.transdiffusion.org/ Transdiffusion] | date = 2005-09-11 | accessdate=2007-03-23}}</ref> November 1998 saw Channel Four expand beyond its remit of providing the 'fourth service' in a significant way, with the launch of FilmFour. Since then the corporation has been involved in a range of other activities, all in some way associated with the main channel, and mainly using the '4' brand. |
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==Outstanding Newcomer== |
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{{TOC limit|limit=3}} |
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* ''[[Anne Frank Conquers The Moon Nazis]]'' — by [[Bill Mudron]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Errant Story]]'' — by [[Michael Poe]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Elf Only Inn]]'' — by [[Josh Sortelli]] |
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* ''[[Trilokan]]'' — by [[Suburi Y]] |
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* ''[[Weirdism]]'' — by [[Liz Groenveld]] & [[Norna Ross]] |
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==History== |
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==WCCA Advancement of Webcomics Award== |
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{{See also|Channel 4#History|l1=History of Channel 4}} |
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* [[Joey Manley]] of [[Modern Tales]] (Winner) |
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Towards the end of the 1980s, the government began a radical process of re-organisation of the commercial broadcasting industry,<ref>{{cite web | date=2005-09-11 | url=http://www.transdiffusion.org/emc/theauthority/quality.php | title=Never Mind The Quality | publisher=The Authority by Electromusications from [http://www.transdiffusion.org/ Transdiffusion] | author=Stephen Hopkins | accessdate=2007-03-23}}</ref> which was written onto the statute books by means of the [[Broadcasting Act 1990]].<ref name="ninetyact">{{cite web | url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1990/Ukpga_19900042_en_3.htm#mdiv23 | title=Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42) | publisher=Office of Public Sector Information | date=2000-09-20 | accessdate=2007-03-23}}</ref> Significantly, this meant the abolition of the IBA, and hence the Channel Four Television Company. The result led to the creation of a corporation to own and operate the channel, which would have a greater deal of autonomy and would eventually go on to establish its other operations. The new corporation, which became operational in 1993, was the Channel Four Television Corporation, and was created to replace the former broadcasting operations of the Channel Four Television Company. It remained publicly owned and was regulated by the new [[Independent Television Commission]] (ITC), created under the same act. The ITC and its duties were later replaced by [[Ofcom]], which like its predecessor is responsible for appointing the Corporation's board, in agreement with the [[Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport]].<ref name="overview">{{cite web | url=http://www.channel4.com/about4/overview.html | publisher=Channel 4 | title=Channel 4 Overview}}</ref> |
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* [[Chris Crosby]] of [[Keenspot]] |
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* [[Teri Crosby]] of [[Keenspot]] |
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* [[Scott McCloud]] of [[scottmsccloud.com]] |
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* [[Thomas "volte6" Squires]] of [[Drunkduck]] |
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* [[Robb Tanner]] of [[Fright Night]] and Comixpedia |
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* The Entire Comixpedia Crew |
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In terms of the station's remit and other duties, the creation of the corporation meant little change; the new corporation would have to manage its own advertising, rather than this being carried out on its behalf by the local ITV contractors (see [[#Funding|Funding]]). |
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==Outstanding Art== |
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* ''[[Mac Hall]]'' — by [[Ian McConville]] & [[Matt Boyd]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Chopping Block]]'' — by [[Lee Adam Herold]] |
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* ''[[Demonology 101]]'' — by [[Faith Erin Hicks]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[Scary-Go-Round]]'' — by [[John Allison (artist)|John Allison]] |
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* ''[[Strings of Fate]]'' — by [[Jen W. Tochi]] |
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In March 2010, Channel Four Television Corporation and its Chief Executive were criticised by the Culture, Media and Sport select committee for breaking service commitments, a lack of transparency in accounting for digital channels, poor governance and failed investments<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2010/mar/22/channel-4-select-committee-review Channel 4 select committee review is a stinker The Guardian 22 March 2010] Retrieved 22 March 2010</ref> |
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==Outstanding Technical Achievement== |
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* ''[[Mac Hall]]'' — by [[Ian McConville]] & [[Matt Boyd]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[E-Merl.com]]'' — by [[Daniel Merlin Goodbrey]] |
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* ''[[Electric Sheep Comix]]'' — by [[Patrick Farley]] |
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* ''[[Kid Radd]]'' — by [[Dan Miller (comics)|Dan Miller]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[Real Life (webcomic)|Real Life]]'' — by [[Greg Dean]] |
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==Current operations== |
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==Outstanding Writing== |
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* ''[[Demonology 101]]'' — by [[Faith Erin Hicks]] (Winner) |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell |
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* ''[[It's Walky!]]'' — by [[David Willis (cartoonist)|David Willis]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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=== Television services === |
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==Outstanding Original Digital Art== |
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* ''[[Scary-Go-Round]]'' — by [[John Allison (artist)|John Allison]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[A Modest Destiny]]'' — by [[Sean Howard (American webcomic artist)|Sean Howard]] |
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* ''[[Diesel Sweeties]]'' — by [[R Stevens]] |
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* ''[[Real Life (webcomic)|Real Life]]'' — by [[Greg Dean]] |
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* ''[[8-Bit Theatre]]'' — by [[Brian Clevinger]] |
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== |
==== Channel 4 ==== |
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{{Main|Channel 4}} |
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* ''[[Homestar Runner]]'' — by [[The Brothers Chaps]] (Winner) |
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Channel 4 is a national [[Public service broadcasting in the United Kingdom|public-service]] [[television]] channel in the United Kingdom which began working on 2 November 1982. |
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* ''[[Kung Fool]]'' — by [[H.S. Kim.]] |
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* ''Outside the Box'' — by [[Brendan Cahill]] |
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* ''[[Secret of Mana Theatre]]'' — by [[Sprite Monkey]] |
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* ''[[Vicious Souvenirs]]'' — by [[John Barber (cartoonist)|John Barber]] |
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The channel was established to provide a fourth television service to the United Kingdom in addition to the [[television licence]]-funded [[BBC]]'s two services and the single commercial broadcasting network, [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]. |
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==Outstanding Use of Infinite Canvas== |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell (Winner) |
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* ''[[Magic Inkwell]]'' — by [[Cayetano Garza Jr]] |
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* ''[[Pup (webcomic)|Pup]]'' — by [[Drew Weing]] |
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* ''[[When I Am King]]'' — by [[Demian5]] |
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* ''[[Whimville]]'' — by [[Cayetano Garza Jr]] |
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Channel 4 is largely commercially self-funded. With the conversion of the [[Wenvoe transmitting station|Wenvoe]] transmitter in Wales to digital on 31 March 2010, Channel 4 became an entirely UK-wide TV channel for the first time. |
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==Outstanding Website Design== |
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[[File:Channel 4 digital channels viewing figures.png|thumb|right|300px|Channel 4 digital channels viewing figures 1998-2008]] |
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* ''[[Nowhere Girl]]'' — by [[Justine Shaw]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Mac Hall]]'' — by [[Ian McConville]] & [[Matt Boyd]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[RPG World]]'' — by [[Ian J]] |
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====4seven==== |
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==Outstanding Black and White Art== |
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{{Main|4seven}} |
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* ''[[Demonology 101]]'' — by [[Faith Erin Hicks]] (Winner) |
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Channel Four launched 4seven on 4 July 2012.<ref name="Sweney">{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/jan/27/channel-4-new-tv-catchup-service?newsfeed=true | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Mark | last=Sweney | title=Channel 4 pencils in June launch for catchup service Project Shuffle | date=2012-01-27}}</ref><ref name="digitaltveurope.net">http://www.digitaltveurope.net/20043/channel-4’s-project-shuffle-to-offer-new-catch-up-platform/</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Laughlin |first=Andrew |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a362457/channel-4-to-launch-shuffle-catch-up-tv-channel-says-report.html |title=Channel 4 to launch 'Shuffle' catch-up TV channel, says report |publisher=Digital Spy |date=2012-01-27 |accessdate=2013-06-26}}</ref> The new service was under working title 'Shuffle Project', though it was announced on 8 March 2012, that the name would be '4seven'.<ref name="Sweney"/><ref name="digitaltveurope.net"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/info/press/news/david-abraham-announces-the-launch-of-4seven|title=David Abraham announces the launch of 4seven - Channel 4 - Info - Press|work=[[Channel 4]]|accessdate=8 March 2012}}</ref> The channel offers audiences the chance to catch-up on the top rated programming from Channel Four's boutique of channels over a week. The channel is available on [[Freesat]], [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]], [[Sky (UK and Ireland)|Sky]] and [[Virgin Media]]. |
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* ''[[Chopping Block]]'' — by [[Lee Adam Herold]] |
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* ''[[Errant Story]]'' — by [[Michael Poe]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Sinfest]]'' — by [[Tatsuya Ishida]] |
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====Film4==== |
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==Outstanding Character Design== |
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{{Main|Film4}} |
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* ''[[Strings of Fate]]'' — by [[Jen W. Tochi]] (Winner) |
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Channel Four launched a subscription film channel, FilmFour, in November 1998. It was available on digital [[satellite television]] and digital cable. Companion services, such as FilmFour+1, FilmFour World and FilmFour Extreme were also available on some digital services. In 2003 Extreme and World were discontinued, and replaced with FilmFour Weekly. FilmFour Weekly closed in July 2006, when the main, newly named Film4 channel went free-to-view and became available on [[Digital terrestrial television|Digital Terrestrial]]. The switchover to digital terrestrial was heavily advertised. The adverts featured [[Lucy Liu]], [[Christian Slater]], [[Ewan McGregor]], [[Judi Dench]], [[Gael García Bernal]], [[Willem Dafoe]], [[Mackenzie Crook]], [[Rhys Ifans]] and [[Ray Winstone]] declaring "Film4 is now free" in various situations across London. It remains the only film channel available free on digital terrestrial television. |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[PvP]]'' — by [[Scott Kurtz]] |
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* ''[[RPG World]]'' — by [[Ian J]] |
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When Channel 4 had the rights to broadcast test match cricket in England, the downtime of the FilmFour channel was often used to broadcast uninterrupted coverage of a match when the main channel was committed elsewhere, usually to racing. At these times FilmFour was available unencrypted and free-to-air. |
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==Outstanding Composition== |
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* ''[[Mac Hall]]'' — by [[Ian McConville]] & [[Matt Boyd]] (Winner) |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell |
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* ''[[Kagerou (webcomic)|Kagerou]]'' — by [[Bullet (DC Thomson)|Fireball]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[Pup (webcomic)|Pup]]'' — by [[Drew Weing]] |
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====E4==== |
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==Outstanding Environment Design== |
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{{Main|E4 (TV channel)}} |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] (Winner) |
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E4, a digital entertainment channel previously available on the Internet, with a target age-range of 16-34, was launched in January 2001. It features premières of US imports and supplementary footage for programmes on its main channel (most notably extended ''Big Brother'' coverage). |
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* ''[[Errant Story]]'' — by [[Michael Poe]] |
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* ''[[Jack (webcomic)|Jack]]'' — by [[David Hopkins (comic artist)|David Hopkins]] |
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* ''[[Kagerou (webcomic)|Kagerou]]'' — by [[Bullet (DC Thomson)|Fireball]] |
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* ''[[Makeshift Miracle]]'' — by [[Jim Zubkavich]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[Scary-Go-Round]]'' — by [[John Allison (artist)|John Allison]] |
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In 2005 it launched on [[Digital terrestrial television|Digital Terrestrial]]. E4 now has as much coverage as other services available on Cable, Satellite and Digital Terrestrial like [[ITV2]] and [[BBC Three]]. It is a very successful channel with a ''first look'' or sneak peek, with the next episode of some series, such as ''[[Hollyoaks]] ''and ''[[Desperate Housewives]]'' appearing on E4 immediately after the show on Channel 4 has finished. Also they have "Second Chance Sunday" which allows you to see programmes you have missed during the week on a Sunday. New show ''[[Skins (TV series)|Skins]]'' was a massive success for E4, peaking at the 2 million mark - one of the most viewed premières in digital TV history. There has, however, been some criticism that E4 (like many other digital channels), relies on seemingly endless repeats of a small selection of shows (notably ''[[Friends]]''), with further suggestion that it is often the same ''season'' of a particular show that is endlessly repeated.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} |
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==Outstanding Line Art== |
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* ''[[Sinfest]]'' — by [[Tatsuya Ishida]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[PvP]]'' — by [[Scott Kurtz]] |
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* ''[[Strings of Fate]]'' — by [[Jen W. Tochi]] |
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During ''Big Brother'', E4 plays host to live coverage of the show, subject to a delay. Until 2005, programmes on the channel did not air until 14.00 GMT, but on 12 August 2005 the widely advertised '''E4 Music''' airs from 06.00 until 10.00 GMT, with various music shows and videos being showcased. This however is rested during ''Big Brother''. Transmission of E4 Music has since declined and has been replaced with repeats of popular E4 shows. It has been declared that '''E4 Music''' has been moved permanently to the new '''4Music''' channel. Since 2008, live coverage of Big Brother has been shortened during the day, until coming to a close in 2010. |
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==Outstanding Use of Color== |
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* ''[[Mac Hall]]'' — by [[Ian McConville]] & [[Matt Boyd]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Cascadia (webcomic)|Cascadia]]'' — by [[Clio Chiang]] |
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* ''[[Kagerou (webcomic)|Kagerou]]'' — by [[Bullet (DC Thomson)|Fireball]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[Scary-Go-Round]]'' — by [[John Allison (artist)|John Allison]] |
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E4 is widely available in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] in close to 70% of homes. It is carried on the [[UPC Ireland]] cable network and also on Sky. The channel operates a separate advertising opt-out in Ireland allowing advertisers to directly target Irish audiences. This has been a highly successful commercial operation and all airtime sales are handled on the channels behalf by [[Medialink]] in Dublin. |
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==Outstanding Character Development== |
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* ''[[College Roomies from Hell!!!]]'' — by [[Maritza Campos]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Demonology 101]]'' — by [[Faith Erin Hicks]] |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell |
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* ''[[It's Walky!]]'' — by [[David Willis (cartoonist)|David Willis]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Sluggy Freelance]]'' — by [[Pete Abrams]] |
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====More4==== |
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==Outstanding Long Form Comic== |
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{{Main|More4}} |
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* ''[[Small Stories (Same Difference)]]'' — by [[Derek Kirk Kim]] (Winner) |
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More4 is a channel aimed at those aged 35–60. Launched on 10 October 2005, it carries news and nightly discussion programmes, such as ''More4 News'', an extension of ''[[Channel 4 News]]'' that attempts to look "beyond the headlines", giving in-depth analysis. Advertising before the launch of the channel flaunted such HBO shows as ''[[Curb Your Enthusiasm]]'' and ''[[The Sopranos]]'', as well as NBC's ''[[The West Wing (TV series)|The West Wing]]''. Its conception has met conflicting responses; many people believe the programmes shown to be of great quality, while others see it as an excuse to free up more room for a deluge of property programmes or less respectable programmes (see ''[[Fat Pets]]'') in all other free slots on Channel 4.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} |
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* ''[[Demonology 101]]'' — by [[Faith Erin Hicks]] |
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* ''[[It's Walky!]]'' — by [[David Willis (cartoonist)|David Willis]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Nowhere Girl]]'' — by [[Justine Shaw]] |
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* ''[[RPG World]]'' — by [[Ian J]] |
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* ''[[Strings of Fate]]'' — by [[Jen W. Tochi]] |
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====4Music==== |
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==Outstanding Short Form Comic== |
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{{Main|4Music}} |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] (Winner) |
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Over recent years 4Music has risen, showing new single releases, as well as other music shows frequently broadcast across T4, Channel 4 and E4. 2007 saw its own logo being devised and since then has had many themed weekends dedicated to a current band or performer. |
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* ''[[Chopping Block]]'' — by [[Lee Adam Herold]] |
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* ''[[PvP]]'' — by [[Scott Kurtz]] |
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* ''[[Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal]]'' — by [[Zach Weiner]] |
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* ''[[Sinfest]]'' — by [[Tatsuya Ishida]] |
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On Sundays, Channel 4's "4Music" strand aired between 17:00 and midnight on [[The Hits]]. The first 'episode' was presented by the most successful female act of the century [[Sugababes]], however 4Music Sundays were meant to feature live acts and also "The Shockwaves Album Chart Show". |
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==Outstanding Story Concept== |
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* ''[[Return to Sender (webcomic)|Return To Sender]]'' — by [[Vera Brosgol]] (Winner) |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell |
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* ''[[It's Walky!]]'' — by [[David Willis (cartoonist)|David Willis]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[RPG World]]'' — by [[Ian J]] |
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On 20 February 2008, it was announced that The Hits was to be rebranded as 4Music later in the year, and on 15 August 2008, Channel 4 replaced [[The Hits]] with 4Music. 4Music is available on Sky 360, [[Virgin Media|Virgin]] 330 and [[Freeview (UK)|Freeview]] 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/music/features/F/4musiclaunch.html|accessdate=2008-08-10|title=4Music Launch}}</ref> (See ''[[#Box Television|Box Television]]'') |
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==Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic== |
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* ''[[Commander Kitty]]'' — by [[Scotty Arsenault]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Funny Farm (webcomic)|Funny Farm]]'' — by [[R. Smith (comics)|R. Smith]] |
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* ''[[Jack (webcomic)|Jack]]'' — by [[David Hopkins (comic artist)|David Hopkins]] |
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* ''[[Ozy and Millie]]'' — by [[David Craig Simpson]] |
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* ''[[Sabrina Online]]'' — by [[Eric W. Schwartz]] |
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* ''[[VG Cats]]'' — by [[Scott Ramsoomair]] |
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"4Music" also has its own monthly music magazine show "The Crush". |
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==Outstanding Dramatic Comic== |
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* ''[[Nowhere Girl]]'' — by [[Justine Shaw]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Clan of The Cats]]'' — by [[Jamie Robertson]] |
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* ''[[Demonology 101]]'' — by [[Faith Erin Hicks]] |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell |
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* ''[[Jack (webcomic)|Jack]]'' — by [[David Hopkins (comic artist)|David Hopkins]] |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[Strings of Fate]]'' — by [[Jen W. Tochi]] |
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==== '+1' Channels ==== |
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==Outstanding Fantasy Comic== |
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[[Image:Channel4+1Logo.svg|thumb|100px|right|Channel 4 "+ 1" logo.]] |
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* ''[[Errant Story]]'' — by [[Michael Poe]] (Winner) |
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Channel Four runs [[Timeshift channel|timeshift]] variants of all its services (excluding 4Music and 4seven), including Channel 4 +1 since 20 August 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,2119529,00.html |publisher=Media Guardian |date=2007-07-05 |accessdate=2007-07-05 | title=Channel 4 launches '+1' timeshift service |author=Chris Tryhorn | location=London}}</ref> across all digital platforms. Channel 4 was the first terrestrial broadcaster in the United Kingdom to offer a time-shift variant of its main channel. In common with many other broadcasters, these channels output exactly the same programmes and continuity as was broadcast an hour previously, and are titled with the station name followed by a "+1" suffix. |
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* ''[[The Circle Weave]]'' — by [[Indigo Kelleigh]] |
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* ''[[Clan of The Cats]]'' — by [[Jamie Robertson]] |
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* ''[[Elf Life]]'' — by [[Carson Fire]] |
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* ''[[RPG World]]'' — by [[Ian J]] |
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Channel 4 +1, E4 +1 and More4 +1 all carry a "+1" indication onscreen. There was some concern{{Who|date=April 2010}} about how it would be indicated on Channel 4 +1{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} as Channel 4 does not carry its own on-screen graphic. Eventually, a "+1" symbol that is derived from the Channel 4 logo was unveiled. Neither "Film4" nor "Film4 +1" carry on-screen graphics. |
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==Outstanding Gaming Comic== |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Megatokyo]]'' — by [[Fred Gallagher (cartoonist)|Fred Gallagher]] & [[Rodney Caston]] |
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* ''[[PvP]]'' — by [[Scott Kurtz]] |
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* ''[[Real Life (webcomic)|Real Life]]'' — by [[Greg Dean]] |
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* ''[[RPG World]]'' — by [[Ian J]] |
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====Box Television==== |
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==Outstanding Gag Comic== |
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{{Main|Box Television}} |
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* ''[[Sinfest]]'' — by [[Tatsuya Ishida]] (Winner) |
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In July 2007 Channel Four bought 50% of "Box Television Ltd" for £28 m from "Emap plc". It has since emerged that, as a result of "Emap's" decision to sell off its divisions in a break-up sale of the group, Channel 4 may be interested in acquiring the remaining half of the business. Box TV operates seven music TV stations (4Music, [[The Box (UK TV channel)|The Box]], [[Smash Hits (TV channel)|Smash Hits]], [[Kerrang! (TV channel)|Kerrang!]], [[Q (TV channel)|Q]], [[Kiss (TV channel)|Kiss]] and [[Magic (TV channel)|Magic]]). Emap's stake in Box Television Limited was transferred to new owners, Bauer Consumer Media, following Bauer's acquisition of Emap's publishing and radio businesses. |
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* ''[[Chopping Block]]'' — by [[Lee Adam Herold]] |
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* ''[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]'' — by [[Mike Krahulik]] & [[Jerry Holkins]] |
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* ''[[PvP]]'' — by [[Scott Kurtz]] |
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* ''[[Real Life (webcomic)|Real Life]]'' — by [[Greg Dean]] |
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=== Film production === |
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==Outstanding Reality Comic== |
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{{Main|Film4 Productions}} |
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* ''[[Nowhere Girl]]'' — by [[Justine Shaw]] (Winner) |
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Channel Four has had a long record of success in funding the production of films through '''Channel Four Films''', renamed '''FilmFour''' in 1998 to coincide with the launch of its digital channel of the same name. Notable successes include ''[[The Madness of King George]]'', ''[[The Crying Game]]'' and ''[[Four Weddings and a Funeral]]''. |
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* ''[[Real Life (webcomic)|Real Life]]'' — by [[Greg Dean]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[American Elf]]'' — by [[James Kochalka]] |
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* ''[[Mac Hall]]'' — by [[Ian McConville]] & [[Matt Boyd]] |
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* ''[[The Journal Comic]]'' — by [[Drew Weing]] |
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In 2002, Channel Four's film financing division ([[Film4 Productions]]) was seriously scaled back, due to massive losses, although total closure was averted. It had however had various successes, most notably ''[[Four Weddings and a Funeral]]'' and ''[[Trainspotting (movie)|Trainspotting]]''. In 1994, [[BAFTA]]/LA (the Los Angeles branch of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts) presented a full-length film festival in Los Angeles in conjunction with the [[American Cinematheque]] (the US equivalent of Britain's [[National Film Theatre]]) that saluted the considerable contributions to British film of Channel 4's film division since its inception. The festival presented many of the most celebrated Channel 4 films, and also featured panel discussions about Channel 4's role between Channel 4 chief executive [[Michael Grade]] and US TV producer [[Norman Lear]]. |
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==Outstanding Romantic Comic== |
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* ''[[Boy Meets Boy (webcomic)|Boy Meets Boy]]'' — by [[K. Sandra]] (Winner) |
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* ''[[Avalon (webcomic)|Avalon]]'' — by Josh Phillips |
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* ''[[College Roomies from Hell!!!]]'' — by [[Maritza Campos]] |
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* ''[[Eat The Roses]]'' — by [[Meaghan Quinn]] |
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* ''[[It's Walky!]]'' — by [[David Willis (cartoonist)|David Willis]] |
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* ''[[Sabrina Online]]'' — by [[Eric W. Schwartz]] |
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* ''[[Strings of Fate]]'' — by [[Jen W. Tochi]] |
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=== Internet services === |
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==Outstanding Science Fiction Comic== |
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====Channel4.com====<!-- This section is linked from [[Father Ted]] --> |
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* ''[[Schlock Mercenary]]'' — by [[Howard Tayler]] (Winner) |
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The channel4.com web site offers detailed programme information, highlights, and chats with actors and presenters of all Channel Four channels. It also has in-depth sections including news, film, homes, sport, and more. Its learning sections are often used by many for educational needs. |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell |
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* ''[[It's Walky!]]'' — by [[David Willis (cartoonist)|David Willis]] |
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* ''[[Saturnalia (webcomic)|Saturnalia]]'' — by [[space coyote]] |
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==== 4mations ==== |
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==Outstanding Superhero/Action Comic== |
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{{Main|4mations}} |
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* ''[[It's Walky!]]'' — by [[David Willis (cartoonist)|David Willis]] (Winner) |
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In January 2008, Channel Four joined with [[Aardman Animations]] and Lupus Films to create [[4mations]], a [[user-generated content]] animation portal, similar to [[Aniboom]] or [[MyToons]]. |
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* ''[[The Adventures of Captain Mooki]]'' — by [[Tysseling]] |
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* ''Fans!'' — by T Campbell |
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====4oD / Catch-up==== |
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* ''[[Gaming Guardians]]'' — by [[Graveyard Greg]] & [[C Wilson Trull]] |
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{{Main|4oD}} |
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* ''[[Sparkling Generation Valkyrie Yuuki]]'' — by [[Kittyhawk (cartoonist)|Kittyhawk]] |
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* ''[[Supermegatopia]]'' — by [[The Brothers Grinn]] |
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[[4oD]] is a [[video on demand]] service from Channel Four. Launched in November 2006, 4oD stands for "4 on Demand". The service offers a variety of programmes recently shown on Channel 4, [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]], [[More4]] or from their archives. However some programmes and movies are not available due to rights issues. |
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===4Ventures=== |
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In 2001 4Ventures was created as the parent body of Channel 4 related commercial activities, rather than public-service obligations, with the intent of making profit which would serve to subsidise the main Channel 4. |
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Following the sale of [[Quiz Call]] (a gaming channel operated by the then-owned subsidiary [[Ostrich Media]]) in 2006, a restructure of 4Ventures saw many of its activities re-integrated back into the main channel's operations (including day-to-day running of E4, Film4 and More4). |
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===4Rights=== |
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'''4Rights''', was formed from an amalgamation of '''''Channel 4 International''''' and '''''Channel 4 Consumer Products'''''. As part of the restructure, much of the 4Ventures management team either left the company - former chief executive (and Channel 4 commercial director) Rob Woodward, and managing director Anmar Kawash took similar posts at [[STV Group plc]] - or transferred to other posts within Channel 4. |
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In 2007, the UK-based independent distribution group Digital Rights Group (DRG) announced an intention to buy Channel 4 International (adding it to Zeal and ID Distribution among its other companies), following a review by Channel 4 of its commercial division. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/nov/23/channel4.television The deal was completed in November of the same year]. The Consumer Products division has been retained by Channel 4 as part of a new, restructured, 4Rights division. |
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==Former operations== |
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=== Television services === |
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====At the Races==== |
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{{Main|At the Races}} |
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In 2000, Channel Four launched a dedicated horse racing channel, At the Races, in conjunction with [[British Sky Broadcasting]] and Arena Leisure plc, owner of 28 of Britain's racecourses. The channel ceased broadcasting in 2003 owing to financial problems, but was subsequently restructured and re-launched (without Channel 4's involvement) in June 2004 and it is branded with almost identical livery as Sky Sports. Channel 4's racing coverage, renamed to incorporate "At The Races" in the title, returned to its original name of [[Channel 4 Racing]] when the channel left involvement with At The Races. Channel 4 racing programmes now feature close co-operation with rival digital racing channel [[Racing UK]], who sub-licence the live rights and share the same production company. Channel 4 cross-promote Racing UK's coverage of the day's racing during its broadcasts. |
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===Radio=== |
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====4 Digital Group==== |
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{{Main|4 Digital Group}} |
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Channel Four was the leading member of the '''[[4 Digital Group]]''' consortium, which includes [[EMAP]], [[UTV]] and [[STV Group plc]] as partners (although STV's involvement will cease when Virgin Radio is floated as a separate company). In July 2007 The group was awarded the 12-year licence to operate the second national [[Digital Audio Broadcasting|DAB]] radio licence after having defeated its only rival, [[National Grid Wireless]], in the three-month bidding process.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/radio/story/0,,2120230,00.html | title=Channel 4 wins radio multiplex bid | accessdate=2007-07-06 | date=2007-07-06 | author=Ben Dowell | publisher=Media Guardian | location=London}}</ref> |
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The service would have operated ten radio stations, including "Channel 4 Radio", "E4 Radio", [[Sky News Radio]] (operated by [[British Sky Broadcasting|BSkyB]] and [[Global Radio]]) and [[Radio Disney]] (in association with [[Disney]]). Many of the services, especially Channel 4 Radio and E4 Radio would have competed directly with national BBC Radio stations. [[Podcast]] and text services were also to have been provided.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/radio/story/0,,2120639,00.html | title=The 4 Digital Group radio stations | accessdate=2007-07-06 | date=2007-07-06 | publisher=Media Guardian | location=London}}</ref> In October 2008 Channel 4 announced that it was abandoning its plans for digital radio stations.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/oct/14/radio-channel4 The Guardian, News, Media, Radio, Tuesday 14 October, 2008 16.52 BST - 4 Digital radio partners in crisis talks]</ref> |
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====4radio==== |
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[[Image:4Radio.svg|160px|right]] |
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In June 2006 Channel Four tried to launch '''4radio''',<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4radio.com|title=4radio|accessdate=2007-04-03 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070323012109/http://www.channel4radio.com/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-03-23}}</ref> offering audio programmes in the shape of podcasts aimed at introducing new public service radio services informed by C4's values of creativity and innovation. Coupled with its strategy of becoming a truly multimedia company, 4radio hosts shows that tie in with its flagship TV hits including ''Big Brother'', ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'', and ''Channel 4 News''. |
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The successful multiplex consortium was expected to launch in 2008 with a taste of Channel 4 Radio's audio output made available earlier,<ref name="autogenerated1" /> including a revival of the channel's [[The Tube (TV series)|The Tube]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/music/microsites/0-9/4radio/thetube/index.html|title=4Radio - The Tube|accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref> music programme, and a very small amount of 4radio-branded content was heard on [[Oneword]] until its closure in January 2008. |
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Channel 4, as part of its review of public serving spending in 2008 decided to focus its expenditure on TV content and decided to stop its radio plans, resulting in the closure of "4 Digital Group". |
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====Oneword==== |
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{{Main|Oneword}} |
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Oneword was a [[Digital radio in the United Kingdom|digital radio]] station featuring the spoken word. In early 2005 Channel Four purchased a minority stake in it, later that year buying a majority one worth £1,000,000. On 4 January 2007 it was announced that had Channel Four sold its 51% stake back to [[UBC Media]] for £1. Its normal programming was suspended while a strategic review took place on the station.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jan/04/channel4.digitaltvradio|title=Channel 4 sell majority stake in Oneword|accessdate=2008-01-04|date=2008-01-04|publisher=Media Guardian | location=London | first=John | last=Plunkett}}</ref> The station ceased broadcasting on 11 January 2008. |
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=== Teletext services=== |
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==== 4-Tel/FourText ==== |
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{{Main|FourText}} |
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Channel Four originally licensed an ancillary teletext service to provide schedules, programme information and features. The original service was called 4-Tel and was provided in collaboration with [[ORACLE (teletext)|Oracle]].<ref name="4Tel">{{cite web|url=http://teletext.mb21.co.uk/gallery/ancillary/c4-s4c/index.shtml|title=ANCILLARY TELETEXT SERVICES|accessdate=2007-06-10|last=Brown|first=Mike|publisher=MB21}}</ref> In 1993, with Oracle losing its franchise to [[Teletext Ltd]], the running of 4-Tel was taken over by Intelfax,<ref name="4Tel" /> and in 2002 was renamed FourText. |
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==== Teletext on 4 ==== |
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{{Main|Teletext on 4}} |
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In 2003, Channel Four awarded Teletext Ltd a 10-year contract to run an ancillary teletext service, named Teletext on 4, on a number of its channels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmgt.co.uk/mediacentre/newsreleases/20030701/3282/|title=Teletext and C4 sign text services deal|accessdate=2007-06-10|date=2003-07-01|publisher=Daily Mail and General Trust plc}}</ref> The service was provided on both Channel 4 analogue and digital television services, "Channel 4", "E4" and "More4". This has now been ceased and Teletext is no longer available on Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5. |
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== Corporate affairs == |
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===Senior management=== |
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Channel Four is run by a chief executive, whose role can be compared to that of the [[Director-General of the BBC]]. The chief executive is appointed by the chairman, which is a part-time position appointed by [[Ofcom]]. |
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====Chairmen==== |
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* [[Edmund Dell]] (1982–1987) |
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* [[Richard Attenborough]] (1987–1992) |
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* [[Michael Bishop (businessman)|Michael Bishop]] (1993–1997) |
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* [[Vanni Treves]] (1998–2003) |
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* [[Luke Johnson (Businessman)|Luke Johnson]] (2004–2010) |
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* [[Terence Burns, Baron Burns|Terry Burns]] (2010–Present) |
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====Deputy Chairmen==== |
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* [[Richard Attenborough]] (1982–1987) |
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* [[David Puttnam]] |
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====Chief Executives==== |
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* [[Jeremy Isaacs]] (1981–1987) |
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* [[Michael Grade]] (1988–1997) |
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* [[Michael Jackson (TV)|Michael Jackson]] (1997–2002) |
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* [[Mark Thompson (television executive)|Mark Thompson]] (Mar 2002 – Jun 2004) |
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* [[Andy Duncan (executive)|Andy Duncan]] (Jul 2004 - Nov 2009) |
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* Anne Bulford (Interim) (Nov 2009 - Jan 2010) |
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* [[David Abraham (Executive)|David Abraham]] (Jan 2010 – Present) |
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===Financial information === |
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Channel Four's total revenue for the year to 31 December 2005 was £894.3 million, of which £735.2 million was generated by its main channel, and the remainder by its subsidiaries channels, sales of programming rights to other broadcasters, Film Four and "new media". Operating profits for the year to 31 December 2006 fell 70% to £14.5 million from £56.9 million in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/about4/pdf/Finance_2005.pdf |title=11419_11419_C4 |publisher=Channel 4 |date=2011-02-24 |accessdate=2013-06-26}}</ref> |
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===Headquarters=== |
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[[Image:Channel 4 Building - Horseferry Road - London - 310504.jpg|right|thumb|The Channel 4 building]] |
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Channel Four was originally based at 60 [[Charlotte Street]] in the West End of London. Since 1994 the company has occupied distinctive, purpose-built headquarters at 124 [[Horseferry Road]], Westminster. Designed by [[Richard Rogers|Richard Rogers Partnership]] with structural engineering by [[Ove Arup & Partners]], its 15,000 square metres architecture follows on from - but is more restrained than - the [[Lloyd's building]] in the City of London, and was constructed between 1990 and 1994.<ref> |
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{{cite_news |
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|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3575/is_n1174_v196/ai_16561918/pg_1 |
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|publisher=The Architectural Review |
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|title=Channel vision - Channel 4's new building in London, England |
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|date=December 1994}}</ref> Twin four-storey office blocks arranged in an L shape are connected by a curved front with a dramatic concave glazed wall.<ref>[http://www.channel4.com/about4/c4building.html "Channel 4 Building"] Retrieved 3 April 2010</ref> |
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Despite nearly all Channel 4 programmes being commissioned from independent production companies, the Channel 4 headquarters originally contained a studio and post-production facility, marketed as '''124 Facilities'''. The studio was used for Channel 4 programmes (such as T4 continuity), and other channels' programmes such as Channel 5's football coverage. The studio was closed at the end of October 2007 and only the post-production operation remains, though it is now managed by [[Red Bee Media]]. |
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====Big 4==== |
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{{Main|Big 4 (sculpture)}} |
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The '''Big 4''' is a 50-foot-tall statue of the Channel 4 logo which was constructed outside the building. The Big 4 is designed by '''FreeState'''<ref>[http://www.freestate.co.uk/#project-4-48 FreeState - The Big 4]</ref> The structure replicates the Channel's current on-screen identity, which the metal frames form the logo only when viewed in a particular angle.<ref>[http://www.channel4.com/info/corporate/about/our_building The Channel 4 Building - The Big 4]</ref><ref>[http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/B/bigart/big4.html The Channel 4 Big Art Project]</ref> Also, the Big 4 is adapted into masterpieces created by artists such as British photographer '''Nick Knight''', installation artist '''Stephanie Imbeau''',<ref>[http://magazine.saatchionline.com/articles/artnews/channel_4_unveils_stephanie_im Channel 4 Unveils Stephanie Imbeau's Big 4 Public Art Commission]</ref><ref>[http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/5RZmn88_wI_/New+Art+Installation+Logo+Front+Channel+4/8LUcBLVvRaS Zimbio - Stephanie Imbeau's Channel 4 Logo Statue Installed at Channel 4 Headquarters]</ref><ref>[http://www.stephanieimbeau.com/ Stephanie Imbeau's Website]</ref> fashion designer '''Hannah Gourlay''',<ref>[http://www.hannahgourlay.co.uk/b-r-e-a-t-h-e-b-i-g-4/ Hannah Gourlay's Big 4]</ref> and most recently disabled artist '''Tony Heaton'''.<ref>[http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/B/bigart/big4_artists5.html The Big 4 - Tony Heaton’s "Monument to the Unintended Performer"]</ref> |
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==References== |
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{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Portal|Companies}} |
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*[http://www.ccawards.com/2003.htm 2003 WCCA results] |
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*[http://www.channel4.com/info/corporate channel4.com/info/corporate] |
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{{Channel Four Television Corporation}} |
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{{WCCAs}} |
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{{Media in the United Kingdom|comporg}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Companies established in 1982]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Media companies based in London]] |
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[[Category:Statutory corporations of the United Kingdom government]] |
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[[Category:1982 establishments in the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:Channel 4| ]] |
Revision as of 20:17, 1 September 2013
File:Channel 4 New Logo.svg | |
Company type | Statutory corporation |
---|---|
Industry | Media |
Predecessor | Channel Four Television Company (subsidiary of the IBA: 2 November 1982 - 31 December 1992) |
Founded | 1993 |
Headquarters | , |
Key people | Lord Burns (Chairman) David Abraham (CEO) |
Revenue | £935.2 million (2010)[1] |
£49.3 million (2010)[1] | |
£38.6 million (2010)[1] | |
Total assets | £458.3 million (at 31 December 2010)[1] |
Number of employees | 727 (at 31 December 2010)[1] |
Website | channel4.com/info/corporate |
Channel Four Television Corporation (informally Channel Four) is a publicly owned media company headquartered in London, United Kingdom.[2] Its original and principal activity is the British national television network Channel 4.
The company was founded in 1982 as Channel Four Television Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the IBA, and became an independent statutory corporation in 1993.[3][4] November 1998 saw Channel Four expand beyond its remit of providing the 'fourth service' in a significant way, with the launch of FilmFour. Since then the corporation has been involved in a range of other activities, all in some way associated with the main channel, and mainly using the '4' brand.
History
Towards the end of the 1980s, the government began a radical process of re-organisation of the commercial broadcasting industry,[5] which was written onto the statute books by means of the Broadcasting Act 1990.[6] Significantly, this meant the abolition of the IBA, and hence the Channel Four Television Company. The result led to the creation of a corporation to own and operate the channel, which would have a greater deal of autonomy and would eventually go on to establish its other operations. The new corporation, which became operational in 1993, was the Channel Four Television Corporation, and was created to replace the former broadcasting operations of the Channel Four Television Company. It remained publicly owned and was regulated by the new Independent Television Commission (ITC), created under the same act. The ITC and its duties were later replaced by Ofcom, which like its predecessor is responsible for appointing the Corporation's board, in agreement with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.[7]
In terms of the station's remit and other duties, the creation of the corporation meant little change; the new corporation would have to manage its own advertising, rather than this being carried out on its behalf by the local ITV contractors (see Funding).
In March 2010, Channel Four Television Corporation and its Chief Executive were criticised by the Culture, Media and Sport select committee for breaking service commitments, a lack of transparency in accounting for digital channels, poor governance and failed investments[8]
Current operations
Television services
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a national public-service television channel in the United Kingdom which began working on 2 November 1982.
The channel was established to provide a fourth television service to the United Kingdom in addition to the television licence-funded BBC's two services and the single commercial broadcasting network, ITV.
Channel 4 is largely commercially self-funded. With the conversion of the Wenvoe transmitter in Wales to digital on 31 March 2010, Channel 4 became an entirely UK-wide TV channel for the first time.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/ff/Channel_4_digital_channels_viewing_figures.png/300px-Channel_4_digital_channels_viewing_figures.png)
4seven
Channel Four launched 4seven on 4 July 2012.[9][10][11] The new service was under working title 'Shuffle Project', though it was announced on 8 March 2012, that the name would be '4seven'.[9][10][12] The channel offers audiences the chance to catch-up on the top rated programming from Channel Four's boutique of channels over a week. The channel is available on Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media.
Film4
Channel Four launched a subscription film channel, FilmFour, in November 1998. It was available on digital satellite television and digital cable. Companion services, such as FilmFour+1, FilmFour World and FilmFour Extreme were also available on some digital services. In 2003 Extreme and World were discontinued, and replaced with FilmFour Weekly. FilmFour Weekly closed in July 2006, when the main, newly named Film4 channel went free-to-view and became available on Digital Terrestrial. The switchover to digital terrestrial was heavily advertised. The adverts featured Lucy Liu, Christian Slater, Ewan McGregor, Judi Dench, Gael García Bernal, Willem Dafoe, Mackenzie Crook, Rhys Ifans and Ray Winstone declaring "Film4 is now free" in various situations across London. It remains the only film channel available free on digital terrestrial television.
When Channel 4 had the rights to broadcast test match cricket in England, the downtime of the FilmFour channel was often used to broadcast uninterrupted coverage of a match when the main channel was committed elsewhere, usually to racing. At these times FilmFour was available unencrypted and free-to-air.
E4
E4, a digital entertainment channel previously available on the Internet, with a target age-range of 16-34, was launched in January 2001. It features premières of US imports and supplementary footage for programmes on its main channel (most notably extended Big Brother coverage).
In 2005 it launched on Digital Terrestrial. E4 now has as much coverage as other services available on Cable, Satellite and Digital Terrestrial like ITV2 and BBC Three. It is a very successful channel with a first look or sneak peek, with the next episode of some series, such as Hollyoaks and Desperate Housewives appearing on E4 immediately after the show on Channel 4 has finished. Also they have "Second Chance Sunday" which allows you to see programmes you have missed during the week on a Sunday. New show Skins was a massive success for E4, peaking at the 2 million mark - one of the most viewed premières in digital TV history. There has, however, been some criticism that E4 (like many other digital channels), relies on seemingly endless repeats of a small selection of shows (notably Friends), with further suggestion that it is often the same season of a particular show that is endlessly repeated.[citation needed]
During Big Brother, E4 plays host to live coverage of the show, subject to a delay. Until 2005, programmes on the channel did not air until 14.00 GMT, but on 12 August 2005 the widely advertised E4 Music airs from 06.00 until 10.00 GMT, with various music shows and videos being showcased. This however is rested during Big Brother. Transmission of E4 Music has since declined and has been replaced with repeats of popular E4 shows. It has been declared that E4 Music has been moved permanently to the new 4Music channel. Since 2008, live coverage of Big Brother has been shortened during the day, until coming to a close in 2010.
E4 is widely available in Ireland in close to 70% of homes. It is carried on the UPC Ireland cable network and also on Sky. The channel operates a separate advertising opt-out in Ireland allowing advertisers to directly target Irish audiences. This has been a highly successful commercial operation and all airtime sales are handled on the channels behalf by Medialink in Dublin.
More4
More4 is a channel aimed at those aged 35–60. Launched on 10 October 2005, it carries news and nightly discussion programmes, such as More4 News, an extension of Channel 4 News that attempts to look "beyond the headlines", giving in-depth analysis. Advertising before the launch of the channel flaunted such HBO shows as Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Sopranos, as well as NBC's The West Wing. Its conception has met conflicting responses; many people believe the programmes shown to be of great quality, while others see it as an excuse to free up more room for a deluge of property programmes or less respectable programmes (see Fat Pets) in all other free slots on Channel 4.[citation needed]
4Music
Over recent years 4Music has risen, showing new single releases, as well as other music shows frequently broadcast across T4, Channel 4 and E4. 2007 saw its own logo being devised and since then has had many themed weekends dedicated to a current band or performer.
On Sundays, Channel 4's "4Music" strand aired between 17:00 and midnight on The Hits. The first 'episode' was presented by the most successful female act of the century Sugababes, however 4Music Sundays were meant to feature live acts and also "The Shockwaves Album Chart Show".
On 20 February 2008, it was announced that The Hits was to be rebranded as 4Music later in the year, and on 15 August 2008, Channel 4 replaced The Hits with 4Music. 4Music is available on Sky 360, Virgin 330 and Freeview 18.[13] (See Box Television)
"4Music" also has its own monthly music magazine show "The Crush".
'+1' Channels
Channel Four runs timeshift variants of all its services (excluding 4Music and 4seven), including Channel 4 +1 since 20 August 2007.[14] across all digital platforms. Channel 4 was the first terrestrial broadcaster in the United Kingdom to offer a time-shift variant of its main channel. In common with many other broadcasters, these channels output exactly the same programmes and continuity as was broadcast an hour previously, and are titled with the station name followed by a "+1" suffix.
Channel 4 +1, E4 +1 and More4 +1 all carry a "+1" indication onscreen. There was some concern[who?] about how it would be indicated on Channel 4 +1[citation needed] as Channel 4 does not carry its own on-screen graphic. Eventually, a "+1" symbol that is derived from the Channel 4 logo was unveiled. Neither "Film4" nor "Film4 +1" carry on-screen graphics.
Box Television
In July 2007 Channel Four bought 50% of "Box Television Ltd" for £28 m from "Emap plc". It has since emerged that, as a result of "Emap's" decision to sell off its divisions in a break-up sale of the group, Channel 4 may be interested in acquiring the remaining half of the business. Box TV operates seven music TV stations (4Music, The Box, Smash Hits, Kerrang!, Q, Kiss and Magic). Emap's stake in Box Television Limited was transferred to new owners, Bauer Consumer Media, following Bauer's acquisition of Emap's publishing and radio businesses.
Film production
Channel Four has had a long record of success in funding the production of films through Channel Four Films, renamed FilmFour in 1998 to coincide with the launch of its digital channel of the same name. Notable successes include The Madness of King George, The Crying Game and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
In 2002, Channel Four's film financing division (Film4 Productions) was seriously scaled back, due to massive losses, although total closure was averted. It had however had various successes, most notably Four Weddings and a Funeral and Trainspotting. In 1994, BAFTA/LA (the Los Angeles branch of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts) presented a full-length film festival in Los Angeles in conjunction with the American Cinematheque (the US equivalent of Britain's National Film Theatre) that saluted the considerable contributions to British film of Channel 4's film division since its inception. The festival presented many of the most celebrated Channel 4 films, and also featured panel discussions about Channel 4's role between Channel 4 chief executive Michael Grade and US TV producer Norman Lear.
Internet services
Channel4.com
The channel4.com web site offers detailed programme information, highlights, and chats with actors and presenters of all Channel Four channels. It also has in-depth sections including news, film, homes, sport, and more. Its learning sections are often used by many for educational needs.
4mations
In January 2008, Channel Four joined with Aardman Animations and Lupus Films to create 4mations, a user-generated content animation portal, similar to Aniboom or MyToons.
4oD / Catch-up
4oD is a video on demand service from Channel Four. Launched in November 2006, 4oD stands for "4 on Demand". The service offers a variety of programmes recently shown on Channel 4, E4, More4 or from their archives. However some programmes and movies are not available due to rights issues.
4Ventures
In 2001 4Ventures was created as the parent body of Channel 4 related commercial activities, rather than public-service obligations, with the intent of making profit which would serve to subsidise the main Channel 4.
Following the sale of Quiz Call (a gaming channel operated by the then-owned subsidiary Ostrich Media) in 2006, a restructure of 4Ventures saw many of its activities re-integrated back into the main channel's operations (including day-to-day running of E4, Film4 and More4).
4Rights
4Rights, was formed from an amalgamation of Channel 4 International and Channel 4 Consumer Products. As part of the restructure, much of the 4Ventures management team either left the company - former chief executive (and Channel 4 commercial director) Rob Woodward, and managing director Anmar Kawash took similar posts at STV Group plc - or transferred to other posts within Channel 4.
In 2007, the UK-based independent distribution group Digital Rights Group (DRG) announced an intention to buy Channel 4 International (adding it to Zeal and ID Distribution among its other companies), following a review by Channel 4 of its commercial division. The deal was completed in November of the same year. The Consumer Products division has been retained by Channel 4 as part of a new, restructured, 4Rights division.
Former operations
Television services
At the Races
In 2000, Channel Four launched a dedicated horse racing channel, At the Races, in conjunction with British Sky Broadcasting and Arena Leisure plc, owner of 28 of Britain's racecourses. The channel ceased broadcasting in 2003 owing to financial problems, but was subsequently restructured and re-launched (without Channel 4's involvement) in June 2004 and it is branded with almost identical livery as Sky Sports. Channel 4's racing coverage, renamed to incorporate "At The Races" in the title, returned to its original name of Channel 4 Racing when the channel left involvement with At The Races. Channel 4 racing programmes now feature close co-operation with rival digital racing channel Racing UK, who sub-licence the live rights and share the same production company. Channel 4 cross-promote Racing UK's coverage of the day's racing during its broadcasts.
Radio
4 Digital Group
Channel Four was the leading member of the 4 Digital Group consortium, which includes EMAP, UTV and STV Group plc as partners (although STV's involvement will cease when Virgin Radio is floated as a separate company). In July 2007 The group was awarded the 12-year licence to operate the second national DAB radio licence after having defeated its only rival, National Grid Wireless, in the three-month bidding process.[15]
The service would have operated ten radio stations, including "Channel 4 Radio", "E4 Radio", Sky News Radio (operated by BSkyB and Global Radio) and Radio Disney (in association with Disney). Many of the services, especially Channel 4 Radio and E4 Radio would have competed directly with national BBC Radio stations. Podcast and text services were also to have been provided.[16] In October 2008 Channel 4 announced that it was abandoning its plans for digital radio stations.[17]
4radio
In June 2006 Channel Four tried to launch 4radio,[18] offering audio programmes in the shape of podcasts aimed at introducing new public service radio services informed by C4's values of creativity and innovation. Coupled with its strategy of becoming a truly multimedia company, 4radio hosts shows that tie in with its flagship TV hits including Big Brother, Lost, and Channel 4 News.
The successful multiplex consortium was expected to launch in 2008 with a taste of Channel 4 Radio's audio output made available earlier,[18] including a revival of the channel's The Tube[19] music programme, and a very small amount of 4radio-branded content was heard on Oneword until its closure in January 2008.
Channel 4, as part of its review of public serving spending in 2008 decided to focus its expenditure on TV content and decided to stop its radio plans, resulting in the closure of "4 Digital Group".
Oneword
Oneword was a digital radio station featuring the spoken word. In early 2005 Channel Four purchased a minority stake in it, later that year buying a majority one worth £1,000,000. On 4 January 2007 it was announced that had Channel Four sold its 51% stake back to UBC Media for £1. Its normal programming was suspended while a strategic review took place on the station.[20] The station ceased broadcasting on 11 January 2008.
Teletext services
4-Tel/FourText
Channel Four originally licensed an ancillary teletext service to provide schedules, programme information and features. The original service was called 4-Tel and was provided in collaboration with Oracle.[21] In 1993, with Oracle losing its franchise to Teletext Ltd, the running of 4-Tel was taken over by Intelfax,[21] and in 2002 was renamed FourText.
Teletext on 4
In 2003, Channel Four awarded Teletext Ltd a 10-year contract to run an ancillary teletext service, named Teletext on 4, on a number of its channels.[22] The service was provided on both Channel 4 analogue and digital television services, "Channel 4", "E4" and "More4". This has now been ceased and Teletext is no longer available on Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5.
Corporate affairs
Senior management
Channel Four is run by a chief executive, whose role can be compared to that of the Director-General of the BBC. The chief executive is appointed by the chairman, which is a part-time position appointed by Ofcom.
Chairmen
- Edmund Dell (1982–1987)
- Richard Attenborough (1987–1992)
- Michael Bishop (1993–1997)
- Vanni Treves (1998–2003)
- Luke Johnson (2004–2010)
- Terry Burns (2010–Present)
Deputy Chairmen
- Richard Attenborough (1982–1987)
- David Puttnam
Chief Executives
- Jeremy Isaacs (1981–1987)
- Michael Grade (1988–1997)
- Michael Jackson (1997–2002)
- Mark Thompson (Mar 2002 – Jun 2004)
- Andy Duncan (Jul 2004 - Nov 2009)
- Anne Bulford (Interim) (Nov 2009 - Jan 2010)
- David Abraham (Jan 2010 – Present)
Financial information
Channel Four's total revenue for the year to 31 December 2005 was £894.3 million, of which £735.2 million was generated by its main channel, and the remainder by its subsidiaries channels, sales of programming rights to other broadcasters, Film Four and "new media". Operating profits for the year to 31 December 2006 fell 70% to £14.5 million from £56.9 million in 2005.[23]
Headquarters
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Channel_4_Building_-_Horseferry_Road_-_London_-_310504.jpg/220px-Channel_4_Building_-_Horseferry_Road_-_London_-_310504.jpg)
Channel Four was originally based at 60 Charlotte Street in the West End of London. Since 1994 the company has occupied distinctive, purpose-built headquarters at 124 Horseferry Road, Westminster. Designed by Richard Rogers Partnership with structural engineering by Ove Arup & Partners, its 15,000 square metres architecture follows on from - but is more restrained than - the Lloyd's building in the City of London, and was constructed between 1990 and 1994.[24] Twin four-storey office blocks arranged in an L shape are connected by a curved front with a dramatic concave glazed wall.[25]
Despite nearly all Channel 4 programmes being commissioned from independent production companies, the Channel 4 headquarters originally contained a studio and post-production facility, marketed as 124 Facilities. The studio was used for Channel 4 programmes (such as T4 continuity), and other channels' programmes such as Channel 5's football coverage. The studio was closed at the end of October 2007 and only the post-production operation remains, though it is now managed by Red Bee Media.
Big 4
The Big 4 is a 50-foot-tall statue of the Channel 4 logo which was constructed outside the building. The Big 4 is designed by FreeState[26] The structure replicates the Channel's current on-screen identity, which the metal frames form the logo only when viewed in a particular angle.[27][28] Also, the Big 4 is adapted into masterpieces created by artists such as British photographer Nick Knight, installation artist Stephanie Imbeau,[29][30][31] fashion designer Hannah Gourlay,[32] and most recently disabled artist Tony Heaton.[33]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Channel Four Television Corporation Report and Financial Statements 2010" (PDF). Channel Four Television Corporation. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
- ^ "Select Committee on Public Accounts Forty-Second Report". Parliament.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-26.
- ^ "National Assets Register of the Department of Culture Media & Sport" (PDF). pp. Page 42. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
- ^ Russ J Graham (2005-09-11). "Yes it's no". seefour by Electromusications from Transdiffusion. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
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- ^ Stephen Hopkins (2005-09-11). "Never Mind The Quality". The Authority by Electromusications from Transdiffusion. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
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: External link in
(help)|publisher=
- ^ "Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42)". Office of Public Sector Information. 2000-09-20. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
- ^ "Channel 4 Overview". Channel 4.
- ^ Channel 4 select committee review is a stinker The Guardian 22 March 2010 Retrieved 22 March 2010
- ^ a b Sweney, Mark (2012-01-27). "Channel 4 pencils in June launch for catchup service Project Shuffle". The Guardian. London.
- ^ a b http://www.digitaltveurope.net/20043/channel-4’s-project-shuffle-to-offer-new-catch-up-platform/
- ^ Laughlin, Andrew (2012-01-27). "Channel 4 to launch 'Shuffle' catch-up TV channel, says report". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2013-06-26.
- ^ "David Abraham announces the launch of 4seven - Channel 4 - Info - Press". Channel 4. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
- ^ "4Music Launch". Retrieved 2008-08-10.
- ^ Chris Tryhorn (2007-07-05). "Channel 4 launches '+1' timeshift service". London: Media Guardian. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
- ^ Ben Dowell (2007-07-06). "Channel 4 wins radio multiplex bid". London: Media Guardian. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
- ^ "The 4 Digital Group radio stations". London: Media Guardian. 2007-07-06. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
- ^ The Guardian, News, Media, Radio, Tuesday 14 October, 2008 16.52 BST - 4 Digital radio partners in crisis talks
- ^ a b "4radio". Archived from the original on 2007-03-23. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
- ^ "4Radio - The Tube". Retrieved 2007-04-03.
- ^ Plunkett, John (2008-01-04). "Channel 4 sell majority stake in Oneword". London: Media Guardian. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
- ^ a b Brown, Mike. "ANCILLARY TELETEXT SERVICES". MB21. Retrieved 2007-06-10.
- ^ "Teletext and C4 sign text services deal". Daily Mail and General Trust plc. 2003-07-01. Retrieved 2007-06-10.
- ^ "11419_11419_C4" (PDF). Channel 4. 2011-02-24. Retrieved 2013-06-26.
- ^ "Channel vision - Channel 4's new building in London, England". The Architectural Review. December 1994.
- ^ "Channel 4 Building" Retrieved 3 April 2010
- ^ FreeState - The Big 4
- ^ The Channel 4 Building - The Big 4
- ^ The Channel 4 Big Art Project
- ^ Channel 4 Unveils Stephanie Imbeau's Big 4 Public Art Commission
- ^ Zimbio - Stephanie Imbeau's Channel 4 Logo Statue Installed at Channel 4 Headquarters
- ^ Stephanie Imbeau's Website
- ^ Hannah Gourlay's Big 4
- ^ The Big 4 - Tony Heaton’s "Monument to the Unintended Performer"