News / Bristol Media
‘Bristol’s values match those of Channel 4’
Bristol’s unique offering of creativity, innovation and cultural diversity is key, as the city vies to become a new regional home for Channel 4.
By midnight on Friday, the bidding process will close and it is down to the broadcasting giant to shortlist the final candidates, as part of a move to shift some of its workforce out of London, with the creation of a new HQ and two smaller hubs.
This is expected to bring jobs, new talent and investment and could be a key chance to secure Bristol’s place on the map.
is needed now More than ever
While the city has kept its bid relatively low key so far, a small team has been working to showcase the best of what Bristol has to offer and prove that its core values align with that of Channel 4.
It has the full backing of mayor Marvin Rees – who has been to meet with the head of Channel 4 – Bristol’s MPs and heads of the city’s creative sector.
Representatives from different sectors across Bristol gather to hear the latest on the Channel 4 bid
“We are Bristol – the creative city,” reads the strap-line and the bid focuses on the vibrant and diverse communities in the city, while harnessing its reputation for technology, innovation and proven track record in film, animation, broadcasting and more.
With Channel 4 bosses set to visit shortlisted cities by early summer, those leading the bid are already looking to the next step and gathered a group of representatives from different sectors, including film, media, politics and the universities to gather ideas and input on how best to showcase the city.
Lynn Barlow speaks about the bid at City Hall
Speaking about a recent conference, Lynn Barlow, assistant vice chancellor of creative and cultural industries at UWE Bristol, who has played a key role in the bid process, said: “There is a perception that Bristol is quite small and I think that means we are not noisy enough.”
There is a consensus across the city that there is a wealth of talent and a will to think differently and look forward, while tackling faults head on. It is this drive that Bristol hopes to showcase to Channel 4.
Shortlisted contenders will be announced on May 30, with the final decision due to be made in October.
Read more: ‘Bristol is the perfect match for Channel 4’
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