Channel 4's online remit formalised in Digital Economy Bill

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 20-Nov-09, 15:45

LONDON - Channel 4 will be required to produce high-quality digital content as part of its public service remit, under legislation outlined in the Digital Economy Bill, published today.

The bill updates the terms of Channel 4's remit, which only covers its linear television content, and none of its other activities.

While the bill stops short of outlining a quota of digital content, it will require the broadcaster to publish an annual statement of content policy, outlining how it will fulfil its functions.

Failure to meet the new terms could result in sanctions being issued by Ofcom, including a fine.

Channel 4 outlined a massive investment in digital in March 2008 under outgoing chief executive Andy Duncan. In the 'Next on 4' blueprint, Channel 4 said it would invest £50 million in a fund called 'Four Innovations for the Public'.