Channel 4 has faced a challenging few years as it competes with digital platforms and the shrinking advertising market for traditional TV networks.
The company referenced the rapidly changing media landscape in its press release, external announcing the changes, which it said includes “evolving audience habits, increasing global competition, a challenging consumer environment and a volatile advertising market”.
One of Channel 4’s biggest hits, Married at First Sight, is also currently off air after a BBC investigation uncovered allegations of rape and other serious misconduct.
Launched in 1982, Channel 4 is publicly owned but funded by advertising. The newly announced job cuts represent the biggest round of layoffs in the network’s history.
The vast majority of Channel 4’s programmes, including Bake Off and Gogglebox, are made by indepedent production companies.
The number of staff currently employed by Channel 4 is small compared with other broadcasters. The BBC, which is currently going through its own round of deep cuts, employs around 20,000.
According to Deadline,, external Dogra told employees on Wednesday that the redundancies will ensure that more of Channel 4’s £1bn income is spent on screen.
A consultation process with staff will begin shortly, and Channel 4 said its “future strategic direction is well advanced and will be shared in the coming months”.
In her statement, Dinenage said: “There are questions about what the announcement means for the broadcaster’s presence in the regions, one of its success stories of recent years.
“Channel 4 is a unique asset and must find ways to maintain independence and distinctiveness while capitalising on efficiencies and opportunities for collaboration.”
