Channel 4 named ‘Channel of the Year’ at the Edinburgh TV Festival

Channel 4 has won the coveted Edinburgh TV Festival 2022 Channel of the Year award.

Channel 4’s Chief Executive Alex Mahon said:

“To be named Channel of the Year is a fantastic honour and recognises the unique role that we play on TV, online and in communities across the UK. None of this would be possible without the incredible and tireless commitment of our staff, and the support of all our partners which enables us to deliver award-winning programmes that reflect the rich diversity of this country and create opportunities for people nationwide.”

The honour comes after the broadcaster delivered record-breaking financial results and also celebrated a record 13 RTS Awards and 44 BAFTA nominations – both making Channel 4 the single most successful channel.

Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz: said:

“Winning Channel of the Year is a triumph! Together with our production partners nationwide we have created brilliant, award-winning content on every platform and tackled important and often controversial issues others have avoided. I am proud that this award recognises and celebrates or commitment to create change through entertainment and challenge our audiences to see the world from different perspectives.”

Outlining some of its successes in the past 12 months, the broadcaster noted that titles such as Rape: Who’s on Trial?, Grenfell: The Untold Story and Help all shone a light on injustice.

Other shows demonstrated Channel 4’s ability to create change through its content and ignite national conversations such as Davina: Sex, Myths and the Menopause, Torn Apart: Family Courts Uncovered and The Black Maternity Scandal.

There was a 30% increase in demand for HRT products; media were allowed in family courts for the first time; and an oversight group was launched to monitor maternal inequalities.

The Black to Front Project, which saw Channel 4’s entire schedule fronted by Black talent, on and off screen, for one day last September, continues to create a lasting legacy with shows being recommissioned and talent going on to lead more shows.

The broadcaster has also, in the last 12 months, underlined its commitment to the Nations and Regions with 66% of hours commissioned outside of London.

Channel 4 said that it remains mindful of the shift in viewing habits among younger viewers and has accelerated its digital growth through its ambitious 4Future strategy to transform Channel 4 into a digital-first public service broadcaster.

On the ratings front big brands such as Gogglebox and The Great British Bake Off continued to deliver with the former having its most successful year ever, averaging 5.4m all in.