Top TV drama writer Jimmy McGovern and actor Alison Steadman have joined Mr Snow in saying Liverpool would be the best place for the channel’s new national HQ. Tony McDonough reports
One of Liverpool’s leading TV news anchors Jon Snow is one of a number of high profile names backing Liverpool’s bid to become the new home of Channel 4.
The former University of Liverpool student and presenter of Channel 4 News, said were it up to him he would choose Liverpool. He joins top TV drama writer Jimmy McGovern, actor Alison Steadman and Red or Dead entrepreneur Wayne Hemingway in backing the city’s bid.
They and a number of other leading cultural, political and business figures have taken part in video interviews. Click here to watch them.
Creative hubs
Channel 4 announced its search for a location, called “4 All in the UK”, will be the biggest structural change in the broadcaster’s 35-year history.
It will include three new “creative hubs”, with the largest to be a new national HQ that will have facilities including a TV studio and host executive and board meetings.
Mr Snow said: “As one who lived in Liverpool as a student and has had links as a former Tate Trustee and current chair of Tate Members, I am an enthusiast for the city.
“If I had influence in the matter of where Channel 4’s new out of London centre was to be I’d pitch for Liverpool. Sadly I have absolutely none. But that does not prevent me from living in hope.”
Wonderful storytellers
Mr McGovern, famed for writing Cracker, The Accused, Hillsborough and recent Bafta winner Broken, added: “Liverpool is full of wonderfully creative people, and if you commit to us, I promise you that all of these wonderful creatives and wonderful storytellers will fully commit to Channel 4.”
And Ms Steadman, whose numerous film and TV acting credits include Abigail’s Party, Pride and Prejudice and Gavin & Stacey, also said: “Liverpool is an amazing, vibrant, growing city… I honestly can’t think of a better location for the Channel 4 HQ.”
New energy
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram are jointly leading the city’s bid and have stated: “Channel 4 would find a soulmate in Liverpool” adding that a move would breathe new energy into the public service broadcaster whilst transforming the city’s creative and digital sector.”
The city region’s MPs have also backed the bid. Liverpool Wavertree MP Luciana Berger, who is vice-chair of the Channel 4 All Party Parliamentary Group, has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) noting Liverpool’s exciting bid.
It has so far been co-signed by Liverpool MPs Stephen Twigg, Maria Eagle and Louise Ellman as well as Wirral South MP Alison McGovern and Cheshire’s Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury.