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Channel 4 to 'save its soul'

02/11/2007

As Channel 4 celebrates its 25th birthday, its new head of programming has unveiled plans to redraw its remit and tackle accusations of dumbing down.

Julian Bellamy has confirmed the channel's comedy and drama budgets will be extended as part of a bid to improve a damaged reputation.

While acclaim has been received for brave, controversial dramas such as The Mark of Cain and the recent Britz, last year's Celebrity Big Brother race row encouraged bosses to promise a fresh creative vision.

Chief executive Andy Duncan said at the time: "Our creative challenge is to put forward a bold, clear vision for the role Channel 4 can play in the digital age and beyond."

And confirming a £3 million increase to the channel's comedy budget, Bellamy told the Guardian: "It is time for one of Channel 4's periodic bouts of creative renewal."

"It has always had the uncanny ability to reinvent itself before it becomes too samey," he continued.

"I believe that in the first quarter of 2008 you'll start seeing the manifestation of our redrawn manifesto. There will be more new things than in 2007."

Celebrity Big Brother is to be dropped from schedules, while new series of The IT Crowd, Peep Show and Modern Toss will return.

Plus One, a new show from the creators of Life on Mars, will also begin, as well as The Kevin Bishop Show, featuring the lead actor from Star Stories.

"A lot of it is about taking a deep breath and empowering each other and the creative community to feel Channel 4 is the most exciting place in TV," Mr Bellamy added.

"Channel 4 should not be about playing it safe."