History of Channel 4 (continued)

Channel 4 was launched on 2nd November 1982, with a remit to broadcast distinctive programmes. Under the Communications Act 2003, Channel 4 has a duty to provide high quality innovative programming that is experimental, creative and appeals to the tastes and interests of a culturally diverse society. 

Channel 4 has always supported, and will continue to support the independent sector (the majority of Channel 4's programming being commissioned from independent production companies) with a strong commitment to regional production, original programming and schools/educational output. 

Channel 4 is funded by commercial activity, principally through the sale of advertising airtime. 

Channel 4 reinvests its profits in programming and the development of new content and services. The Film4 channel was launched in November 1998, E4 first went on air in January 2001, and October 2005 saw the start of the More4 channel. Towards the end of 2000, the commercial services arm of the Channel Four Television Corporation, 4 Ventures Limited (which runs these channels) was established. 

Channel 4 is currently broadcast in the UK on analogue and digital services. The day-to-day management and control of the Corporation and its policies and functions are managed by the Chief Executive and the other executive directors, who are accountable to the Board. The majority of Board members are non-executive, appointed by Ofcom with the approval of the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport. 

Channel 4 Television Corporation is committed to openness of information as defined by the Freedom Of Information Act 2000. Channel 4 therefore recognises its duty to maintain the high standards of record keeping that document its principal activities. The Channel will therefore make available information, as described in the Publication Scheme, that is deemed non-exempt and of public interest. 

History Of Channel 4

Film4 was originally known as FilmFour and became Channel 4's second channel (after Channel 4 itself) when it launched on 1 November 1998.

It was a subscription-only service available on satellite television via the Sky Digital platform, Digital terrestrial via ITV Digital (until the platform went into administration in 2002), and most UK cable services. It cost £5.99 or £6.00 a month (depending on platform), eventually rising to up to £7. The launch night, which was also broadcast on Channel 4, was hosted by Johnny Vaughan and the first film to be shown was What's Eating Gilbert Grape.

Later, additional channels were added, FilmFour World and FilmFour Extreme which operated on a timeshare and the time-shift channel FilmFour +1. FilmFour World and Extreme were discontinued in 2003 and replaced by FilmFour Weekly, which screened four films across the week at the same time each day to make it easier to catch a film at least once [2]. FilmFour Weekly ceased broadcasting on 19 July 2006 when the subscription service ended.