Channel 4

Britain's fourth national television channel, launched in 1982 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the IBA (Independent Broadcasting Authority; now known as the ITC or Independent Television Commission). Its brief was to serve minority interests, encourage innovation through the use of independent producers, and develop a character distinct from the other channels.

The company's financial involvement in film production, both at home and abroad, played a significant part in a revival of the fortunes of film-making in the UK. Films it has commissioned include My Beautiful Laundrette (1985), Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), and Trainspotting (1996). It became a public broadcasting service in 1993.

In 1998 Channel 4 launched FilmFour, a film channel available on cable, satellite, and digital television. FilmFour was also highly influential in UK film production, but a number of high-profile failures resulted in the shutdown of the sales and distribution departments in 2002. Other digital ventures include E4, an entertainment channel launched in 2001, and More4, with programming devoted to lifestyle, the arts, and documentaries, launched in 2005.