Topic 4: Channel 4 Television Corporation
Section 22: Functions of C4C in relation to media content
107.New section 198A requires C4C to participate in the making of a broad range of high-quality content that appeals to the tastes and interests of a culturally diverse society, and broadcast or distribute such content on a range of different delivery platforms. This content must include news and current affairs, content for older children and young adults and feature films. C4C will also be required to participate in the making of high quality films. To “participate” in this way includes investing in or otherwise procuring content. For the avoidance of doubt, these new duties on C4C to make content do not disapply the condition in Channel 4’s regulatory regime, referred to in section 295 of the 2003 Act, requiring C4C not to be involved, except to such extent as OFCOM may allow, in the making of programmes to be broadcast on Channel 4.
108.The new section also makes provision as to the wider aims C4C must pursue in performing their duties, drawing on the core public purposes that C4C identified in their March 2008 report Next on 4(4). C4C must support new talent and innovation, support and stimulate well-informed debate (including by providing access to information and views from around the world), promote alternative views and perspectives and help to inspire change in people’s lives.
109.New section 198A also requires C4C, in the performance of their duties, to have regard to the desirability of:
Working with cultural organisations;
Encouraging innovation in methods of content delivery; and
Promoting access to and awareness of services provided in digital form.
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