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