Channel 4 headquarters in Leeds

Its Leeds!

Channel 4 chooses Leeds as new national headquarters City beats Manchester and Birmingham to become broadcaster’s new HQ

Jim Waterson Media editor

Leeds has unexpectedly been chosen as the new regional base for Channel 4, beating rival bids from Birmingham and Greater Manchester.

The decision follows a fierce competition over the location for the broadcaster’s new outpost, which will see hundreds of staff relocated from the broadcaster’s current London headquarters.

The decision was made following a full meeting of the Channel 4 board on Wednesday, with the competing cities kept in the dark until the announcement was made.

Potential candidates for Channel 4’s regional base – which the channel is calling its “national headquarters” – were required to have a population of more than 200,000 people, travel time to London of less than three hours and high-quality physical and digital infrastructure.

The decision to move jobs outside London came after Channel 4 successfully fought against government proposals to privatise the channel and move the broadcaster’s entire staff out of the capital.

Although the broadcaster is commercially funded it is ultimately owned by the government, giving it a unique place in the British broadcasting environment.

The channel faces many of the same issues as other public service broadcasters as it faces new challenges from streaming services, although it is celebrating after 7.5 million viewers tuned in for Tuesday night’s final of The Great British Bake Off.

So odd. Would have thought Greater Manchester would have been chosen as there is a greater talent pool to draw from, plus with the exiting Media City in place with BBC and ITV. Plus if you are gonna convince Londoners to move OOP NORF you would have thought a bigger city would have been chosen. Oh Well. Well done to Leeds and Ch4. Hope it works out.

Leeds isn't exactly small plus there is a strong media presence there (YTV, BBC Yorks, Made In Leeds plus a plethora of radio stations and newpapers. Plus three universities providing media training. Not forgetting the shopping and scenery.