Frequently Asked Questions

How was Channel 4 set up?

The Channel 4 service was originally established under the Broadcasting Act 1980 and was provided for by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (the then broadcasting regulatory body which no longer exists). The Channel Four Television Corporation was subsequently established under the Broadcasting Act 1990 and the Channel's functions were transferred over to the new Corporation in 1993. The Corporation's board is appointed by Ofcom in agreement with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

There is information about how the Channel operates, its history, remit and additional businesses here.

Channel 4's function as defined by Ofcom can be read here.

Channel 4's functions and public service remit relevant to the main Channel 4 service are set out in sections 199 and 198A (inserted by section 22 of the Digital Economy Act) and 265(3) of the Communications Act 2003.