C4 boosts digital channel budget
Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan is boosting the programming budget of digital entertainment channel E4 by £20m. The move takes the channel's total budget to £60m.
Duncan has also appointed Julian Bellamy, C4 head of factual entertainment, to run E4.
Bellamy is expected to use the extra cash to acquire more US hit shows, and make original new programmes and C4 spin-off shows.
E4 is currently a pay channel but there is speculation that Channel 4 will make it free-to-view later this year.
Channel 4 is also planning to launch More4, a free-to-view channel, in the autumn.
Meanwhile, in a speech to the Royal Television Society, Duncan stressed the need for the network to retain its independence and "quirky, questing spirit", and maintain its role in public service broadcasting.
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