OHMYGOSSIP — The head of Channel 4 has warned that UK broadcasters could become as irrelevant “as Kodak or Blockbuster”.
Ian Katz, the channel’s boss, believes that the route to success is to adapt to streaming and to stop worrying about “linear ratings” or else they will go bust like the once-legendary brands, with Kodak’s camera business and Blockbuster’s video and DVD rentals becoming obsolete.
While speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, he said: “We can commission at pace as soon as ad revenue starts to come through but in order to do that, we have to behave responsibly.
“That is how we have worked through multiple ad recessions and we have always come back.
“Any broadcaster who obsesses about linear ratings now risks going the way of Kodak or Blockbuster.
“These are great brands that failed once the ground had shifted under their feet.”
Ian revealed the impact that the Hollywood strikes – which consists of the dispute between the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America over fair pay and AI concerns – and streamers “pulling billions from their budgets” were having on the “commissioning slowdown”.
He said: “The commissioning slowdown has hit the whole industry, and every commercial broadcaster has been affected by the ad revenue slump.
“Other broadcasters have chosen to communicate with suppliers whichever way they choose, but I think that has led to the perception that the picture at Channel 4 has been more dramatic than elsewhere.”
One of Channel 4’s most recent greenlit programmes is ‘Disability Benefits’ by Rosie Jones, who is “incredibly excited” to bring her idea to series.
The 33-year-old comic said: “I am incredibly excited to be making ‘Disability Benefits’ for Channel 4.
“It has always been my dream to have my own sitcom and now it is coming true! Bring it on!”
In addition, the network also confirmed there would be a second season of ‘Late Night Lycett’ with trouble-maker comedian Joe Lycett.
The 35-year-old stand-up comic said: “I can’t wait to go bigger and wilder in series two.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online