UK broadcaster Channel 4 has announced it is axing up 340 roles in what is the biggest round of cuts in its 40+ year history.
The cuts are equal to a quarter of the broadcaster’s workforce.
Chief executive Priya Dogra, who joined Channel 4 in March, told staff that the redundancies, which are equal to around 28 per cent of the workforce, will ensure more of its income is spent on screen.
According to the Channel 4, the proposed changes focus on reducing management layers, simplifying decision-making and removing duplication to create “a leaner, more efficient operating model”. The broadcaster will begin a formal consultation process with affected employees in due course.
Priya Dogra, chief executive of Channel 4, said: “Channel 4 is a precious asset which plays a unique role in the UK. We need to secure and own our future so we can continue to make shows others won’t, reach audiences others can’t, and thrive as a distinctive and disruptive British voice for future generations.
“Today marks the first phase of our transformation, ensuring Channel 4 is the right shape and size to deliver its future strategy and focus investment in the programmes audiences love. The challenges we face require a fundamental transformation in how we work.”
Dogra said that the decisions “have not been taken lightly”, adding: “I strongly believe they are necessary to create a simpler, more focused and more sustainable Channel 4 that can invest a greater proportion of revenues into distinctive content, back British creativity and deliver impact for audiences long into the future.”
Channel 4 said further details of its future strategic direction and additional transformation initiatives will be shared in the coming months.
