MP: Move Channel 4 to Wolverhampton to boost city
Channel 4 should relocate to Wolverhampton to boost the city's cultural image, according to a Labour MP.
Eleanor Smith has vowed to 'prove' to ministers that the city has what the channel needs due to its diverse community that 'reflects modern Britain more than anywhere else in the UK'.
The Wolverhampton South West MP also cited the city's transport links, central location and high quality educational establishments as reasons for the move.
Channel 4 bosses are expected to make a decision on its future location this month, after Culture Secretary Karen Bradley ordered the broadcaster to move its headquarters out of London.
However, Wolverhampton may have already missed the boat as it is not one of the four West Midlands sites earmarked as a potential new home for the station.
Ms Smith said: "Channel 4 has been told by the Government that it needs to move out of London and I think it should come to Wolverhampton.
"It's the kind of boost our arts, media, culture and industry sector so badly needs.
"I want to prove to the Department of Culture Media and Sport that Wolverhampton has what Channel 4 needs: great transport links, a brilliant location in the centre of the country, great educational opportunities at our universities and colleges, excellent arts and media organisations, and a diverse community which reflects modern Britain more than anywhere else in the UK."
The West Midlands Combined Authority has submitted proposals for Channel 4 to move its headquarters to Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull or Dudley.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are currently considering the findings of a consultation into a proposed move, although the broadcaster is keen to keep its base in Westminster.
Ministers have threatened to introduce a bill if no agreement is reached, with Ms Bradley telling MPs last month: “If we cannot reach an agreement, we would need to legislate.”
Channel 4 has more than 800 staff, but fewer than 30 based outside central London.
A Government study concluded that moving Channel 4 to the West Midlands would create 3,412 jobs, while West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said it would add £5 billion to the local economy over 10 years.
He said the broadcaster would 'thrive' in the region due to its youthful population.
