Channel 4 has merged its in-house creative services departments at the cost of five jobs as it aims to implement a more fluid working practice.
Channel 4 has merged its in-house creative services departments at the cost of five jobs as it aims to implement a more fluid working practice.

The promos departments for C4, E4 and Film Four have been combined in a restructure which brings all the channels' design work under one heading: the network creative services department. Creative director Brett Foraker will run the newly formed department and will answer to Polly Cochrane, director of marketing.

Four full-time directors were made redundant at C4's promo department last week. It was not confirmed where the other redundancy was made. Although plans for the restructure had been in place for around 18 months, staff were informed that jobs were at risk on Wednesday last week and on Friday the names of those to be made redundant were announced.

A C4 spokesman claimed that it was not a cost-cutting exercise as the creative services budget was not being reduced. It said the aim was to create a 'more flexible working practice that responds to the very seasonal nature of the promos business'.

The savings made from the redundancies will be used to hire 'a broader variety of freelance directors'.

Network creative services department will be charged with creating all on-air promos for C4, E4, Film Four and any future channel offerings.

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