For immediate release:

RUTHERGLEN MSP BACKS GLASGOW’S CHANNEL 4 BID

SNP MSP Clare Haughey has written to Glasgow City Council to support their campaign to bring Channel 4 to the city.

It is understood that Channel 4 is looking to relocate staff from London to three new ‘creative hubs’, – one of which will act as its national headquarters. The channel is planning to spend half its £700 million annual budget on television shows made outside of London by 2023, compared with the £169 million that was spent out-with the UK capital in 2016.

Last month, Glasgow City Council launched its formal bid to attract the channel north in a campaign which is being headed by broadcaster and journalist Stuart Cosgrove, and supported by the Scottish Government.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has since written to Glasgow’s council leaders, Cllr Susan Aitken and Cllr David McDonald, extending her support for the bid noting that “Glasgow and the surrounding region” would be a great choice for the channel.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“It would be a great coup locally should Channel 4 opt to move their national HQ to Glasgow. The West of Scotland already has a skilled media workforce which is very capable of providing the expertise for the channel to expand and grow its presence locally.

“The knock-on effect from any move to Glasgow would greatly benefit areas like Rutherglen and Cambuslang culturally, in economic terms, and hopefully by providing new job opportunities for my constituents.”

Stuart Cosgrove noted:

“The same values and qualities that typify Glasgow are ingrained in the culture and identity of Channel 4. They are bold and provocative, with real heart – and they both attract and celebrate innovative and diverse people.

“Channel 4 and Glasgow are made for one another.”

ENDS

Notes:

Please find attached a copy of Clare Haughey MSP’s letter.

Further information, and the quote from Stuart Cosgrove, can be found on the link below:

https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/stuart-cosgrove-to-lead-glasgow-s-channel-4-hq-bid-1-4721425

Date published: 19th April 2018