Channel 4 has published its Annual Report 2021, revealing a record-breaking year for the UK’s youth-focused, commercially-funded public service broadcaster. In fact, it was the company’s strongest ever financial performance: corporate revenues topped £1 billion for the first time in its history plus record-breaking pre-tax surplus of £101 million.
Furthermore, Future4 strategy delivering as digital advertising grew +40% year-over-year to account for nearly one-fifth (19%) of total corporation revenues, while share of digital ad market hit 35%, exceeding 28% share on linear. Streaming service All 4 also delivered a record-breaking performance with 1.5 billion views – on track to deliver two billion by 2025.
The broadcaster is well placed to deliver a record £15 million investment in training and development across the UK over three years. Moreover, Channel 4’s financial success in 2021 ensures that it is on track to deliver its Future4 strategy, transforming itself into a digital public service broadcaster that retains its distinctive brand and public service impact, the company said.
“2021 was an outstanding year of creative excellence, exceptional digital growth and record-breaking financial performance that saw Channel 4 over-deliver on its remit and successfully continue its transformation into a digital-first PSB. These results demonstrate that Channel 4’s business model delivers dynamic growth, revenue diversification and long-term sustainability. Financially, Channel 4 is in the most robust health it has ever been and our results have laid the foundations for ongoing investment, financial success and stability,” commented Alex Mahon, Chief Executive at Channel 4.
“Our exceptional financial performance demonstrates Channel 4’s long-term sustainability and, through its Future4 strategy, it will play a major and unique role in strengthening and levelling up the creative industries and creating new jobs and opportunities for young people across the UK,” Channel 4’s Chair Ian Cheshire concluded.