Producers Handbook

Attention Channel 4 Programme Makers & Editorial Staff

This site aims to give helpful and practical guidance to all producers and editorial staff on the main areas of law, the Ofcom Code, and best practice guidelines that apply to the making and broadcast of Channel 4’s programmes and online content.

Channel 4 is a public service commercial broadcaster that commissions original programming and online content from independent production companies.

This Handbook aims to give helpful and practical guidance to anyone involved in the making of content for Channel 4.  It covers the main areas of law that apply to the making and broadcasting of Channel 4 ‘s content including, the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, and Channel 4's own guidelines. Producers must ensure that all relevant staff have read and are familiar with the provisions of this Handbook.

Sound practical knowledge of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, the law and Channel 4 guidelines equips programme-makers to identify and address problems and understand the need to seek advice. This in turn enables the most challenging content to be made and broadcast and to be successfully defended after transmission. We are committed to freedom of expression – our own, that of our programme-makers and that of our audiences to receive creative and bold material within the parameters of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and the law.