Experts in innovation
Innovation drives our progress, both in terms of technology and our approach to programming. We were one of the first broadcasters to embrace digital platforms.
Today, we continue to push how we use technology in order to better serve our audiences and build relationships with new ones.
Alongside our technological advances, innovation drives forward our creative strategy. We try more programme titles than any other broadcaster, taking more risks with new programme ideas to find winning new formats and programmes.
We're at the forefront of innovation and technology
2006
FIRST ON-DEMAND SERVICE
First broadcaster in the world to offer long-form TV content on-demand through our pioneering 4oD service
2007
First HD service
First PSB to launch a simulcast HD service and a ‘plus 1’ service
2008
First live commercial
First live commercial on British TV
2009
First to YouTube with Google
Channel 4 strikes a deal with Google to, for the first time, offer long-form TV content on YouTube in the UK
2010
No. 1 play-along format
Million Pound Drop launched – the most successful play-along format in the UK to date
2011
First to register
Roll-out of registration to support delivery of targeted advertising
2012
First simul-release film
First feature film in the world to be released simultaneously in cinema and on TV, DVD and VoD
2013
First aggregated companion app
First broadcaster to launch an aggregated companion app with the launch of 4Now
2014
First personalised ads
First ever individually personalised digital advertising campaigns
2015
Launch of PVX (Programmatic video exchange)
Self-service advertising trading platform