Broadcaster, journalist and television executive Stuart Cosgrove will lead Glasgow’s bid to attract Channel 4’s new National HQ to the city.
Cosgrove, who served first as the channel’s Controller of Arts and Entertainment and then Head of Programmes (Nations and Regions) until 2015, will chair a new board being brought together to mastermind Glasgow’s pitch.
Led by Glasgow City Council, with support from the Scottish Government, the board will also include high-level representation from the city’s creative industries.
Mr Cosgrove said: “Glasgow has everything Channel 4 needs in a new home – including a dynamic and original independent broadcast sector.
“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.”
Stuart Cosgrove has enjoyed a long, varied and distinguished media career, which began as a writer for northern soul fanzines and covers newspapers, magazines, radio and television.
During his time at Channel 4, he represented the channel’s programme team at board-level. He chaired the Scottish Government’s Digital Media Strategy Board, on behalf of Scottish Enterprise.
Mr Cosgrove is also an acclaimed author. His most recent book, Memphis 68: The Tragedy of Southern Soul, was named winner of the 2018 Penderyn Music Book Prize on Sunday.
Leader of Glasgow City Council Cllr Susan Aitken said: “I’m delighted Stuart has agreed to Chair Glasgow’s bid.
“Both this city and the channel are clearly close to his heart – and there is nobody who better understands how the two can complement each other.”
With Channel 4 expected to announce details of its selection process within the next week, Glasgow’s bid has continued to win widespread support in the creative and broadcast industries.
Mark Hedgecoe – Head of BBC Studios, Pacific Quay Productions – said: “We are very excited about Glasgow’s bid.
“BBC Studios has a range of production bases around the UK and has a commitment to making programmes outside London.
“Given Pacific Quay Productions are based in Glasgow, we are well aware of the huge attractions and advantages of making programmes in the city. We fully back the bid.”
Alan Clements, CEO of STV Productions, said: “We’re proud to be an integral part of the innovative, passionate hub of Glasgow’s thriving creative industries sector, which boasts a superb, talented skills base and a strong record of success both nationally and internationally.
“We would be delighted to see a national HQ for Channel 4 joining this exciting media environment; enabling the partnerships we already enjoy with the channel to be further enhanced and extended.”
