What’s dividing Gen Z? Our latest landmark study 'Gen Z: Trends, Truth and Trust' reveals a major gender divide within the UK’s youngest generation. While Gen Z women hold more progressive views on gender, immigration, and racial justice, we’ve identified the ‘Lost Boys’—young men caught in the culture wars, struggling with their identity, and lacking role models. How is this divide shaping the way Gen Z navigates politics, identity, and progress? See below.
Ahead of International Women's Day this Saturday, it was a pleasure to host a fantastic panel of female journalists at our Leeds HQ last night, all united by their passion to protect and champion women in the industry. Held in collaboration with Women In Journalism, we heard Reach PLC Editor Natalie Fahy, award winning journalist Sophia Smith Galer, and Channel 4 News Communities Editor Darshna Soni candidly share their experience on dealing with digital harassment and their strategies for safeguarding. The discussion also focused on the new reality of the digital age, exploring how journalists can interact with their audience on social media, and how they can maintain credibility and build trust amid the rise of AI-generated content and misinformation. Having the ability to carry out fearless investigative journalism in the public interest is vital, with last night being a testament to Channel 4 News efforts here, as it was crowned Programme of the Year by the Royal Television Society for the second year running. A big thank you to Sunita Bhatti, Head of Regions at Channel 4 News, for chairing our panel event. For those who missed it, a livestream of the event is available to watch here: https://lnkd.in/eHpQv-_2
This week Channel 4’s Rak Patel, Charlie Glyn, Alex Wright and John Cox take to the stage in a host of panels at New Video Frontiers and Performance Marketing World Unlocked First up at New Video Frontiers was Charlie Glyn, Ad Technology Leader, who reiterated how we’re opening up the power of TV via our programmatic offering as Channel 4 Sales is striving to lower barriers to entry for SMEs. Meanwhile the benefit of our agnostic and partnership-based tech approach within programmatic advertising brands was highlighted by Alex Wright, Programmatic & Data Sales Leader. Later on in the day our Chief Commercial Officer had a fireside chat with Vincent Flood focusing on the unique power of TV driven by the friction between creative and standards. And at Performance Marketing Unlocked John Cox, Streaming and Social Sales Leader spoke about CTV and the opportunity it presents for small to medium enterprises looking to go one step further in their growth.
Exciting day at the Liverpool-based set of Channel 4’s soap Hollyoaks recently with a visit from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP. The MP for Wigan met Channel 4’s Ollie Madden, Sinéad Rocks, Louise Donald, Briony Robinson and Aaliah Patel, and learned about what goes on behind the scenes and how Channel 4 nurtures talent from across the UK. A self-proclaimed fan of Hollyoaks, Lisa Nandy toured the set, before discussing with Lime Pictures and Channel 4 how the drama champions regional talent and digital-first content. First launching nearly 30 years ago, Hollyoaks has recently: ✔️ Had a record-breaking streaming performance, with Season 35’s premiere achieving a record-breaking 540,000 views in its first week ✔️ Seen placements secured for production talent funded by 4Skills’ Accelerate programme, which is helping people further their careers in broadcasting across the Nations and Regions ✔️ Been the first UK soap with three trans series-regular characters, with youth-focused storylines tackling conversion therapy, alcohol addiction, LGBT relationships, and mental health Thank you to John Whittle, Hannah Cheers, and the wider Hollyoaks cast and crew for showing everyone around.
Three charismatic teachers and content creators embark on an epic coast-to-coast journey! Teachers on Tour produced by Kalel Productions is the new social branded entertainment series with DfE and MG OMD. Available on Channel 4’s YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Check out the episode now by clicking on the link in the comments. 🚐🚐🚐
Channel 4 Sales has today announced the launch of an exclusive competition for Certified B Corporations, which will see five businesses able to win airtime worth £120,000 each. Partnering with B Lab UK, the competition will raise awareness and challenge misconceptions of what it means to be a B Corp, which encompasses high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Speaking on the competition launch, Ewan Douglas, Channel 4 Sales' Head of Sales for Nations & Regions and Business Development, said: “Channel 4 is renowned for addressing climate and sustainability issues in its programming to drive national conversations and inspire change. We want to take that a step further by turning our attention to the impact of adverts and rewarding those who are committing to sustainable practices." Check out the link to competition page: https://www.channel4sales.com/business-good/bcorp
🎓1 in 4 students would not know where to get mental health support at their university if they needed it. 🎟️Channel 4, Campaign Against Living Miserably & Student Minds to host a special screening and Q&A for the finale of BIG BOYS in London on University Mental Health Day on 13 March. Further information in the comments below. 💬Following a screening of the final two episodes, moderator Clara Amfo will be joined by a panel to discuss the issues in the finale and signpost to available support: ● Jack Rooke, writer and creator ● Jon Pointing (Danny) ● Katy Wix (Jules) ● Dr Dominque Thompson, Clinical Advisor Student Minds ● Simon Gunning CEO of CALM ● Taj Donville-Outerbridge, Student If you wish to attend this event, please register your interest here: https://lnkd.in/eWR9qujr
The countdown to Crufts 2025 is on, with more TV coverage available on Channel 4 than ever before 🐕. Channel 4 and More 4 will broadcast nearly 20 hours from 6th to 9th March, as returning host Clare Balding is joined by two new faces. Paralympian Ellie Simmonds and former professional rugby player Ed Jackson will help cover all the action from the halls of Crufts in Birmingham, alongside reporter Radzi Chinyanganya. Coverage will include all the most popular events including Flyball, Agility, Heelwork to Music, The Kennel Club Hero Dog award and the prestigious Best in Show 🥇. Take a look at what Clare, Ellie, Ed, and Radzi are most looking forward to most at the link in the comments below.
🌟 This time last week we opened our doors to our Altogether Different showcase, the Extrava Gander! 💚 Joined by some iconic faces we dropped some BIG news from the worlds of reality, comedy and drama, and celebrated the impact of beloved shows like The Piano. 👀 For more info check out the link in the comments.
“By leveraging new approaches to influencer and creator activity, we will work to drive consideration for Channel 4 as a streaming destination and increase talkability around our programming.” Katie Jackson shares her thoughts as Channel 4 announces it has appointed its first dedicated influencer marketing agency, The Cast, as it builds on its commitment to work with creators and connect with young audiences 💫. The partnership aims to grow the number of people choosing Channel 4 as a streaming destination – with influencer activity focusing on highlighting a range of Channel 4’s programming across comedy, drama, reality and documentaries. To read the full announcement, please visit the link in the comments.
