Channel 4 seeks shows to ‘ruffle feathers’

Channel 4 is seeking unscripted shows that ruffle feathers and reflect its radical roots to mark its 40^th birthday in November.

The Here Comes Trouble – C4 at 40 brief sets out its ambition to uncover an unspecified number of smart polemics, factual theatre, stunts and live events which are ‘impactful, profoundly controversial and noisy’ to reaffirm its reputation as ‘troublemaker-in-chief’.

It is planning a series of unscripted programmes to mark the anniversary by harking back to the reason it was established in 1982 - to give voice to unheard, say the unsayable and show the unseen - and wants ideas that reflect this purpose in 2022.

“How much trouble can we make? How should we be challenging the status quo? Who is a deserving target? What is truly unsayable today? How many feathers can we ruffle?” the brief states.

Voices that remain in the minority, such as elderly people or a particular political constituency are a priority.

Polemics should have ‘jaw dropping’ propositions that challenge assumptions about society. C4 wants ideas that go beyond ‘familiar cancel culture arguments’ and ask big questions around society and culture, such as democracy and the environment.

Ideas should have an element of the taboo to them, potentially including ideas that have either never previously been shown on TV or have fallen foul of censorship and deserves to be aired now.

Applications are open until 15 April, with ideas commissioned by the end of the month to TX in November.

Applicants are directed to speak to the appropriate unscripted genre at C4 for their proposed ideas.