Website Textual Analysis

Channel 4

Channel 4’s sister channels include:• E4• Film Four• 4Music• 4Seven• More4• Heat• Kerrang!• Kiss• Magic• Smash Hits• The Box

Channel 4

Channel 4 Website

Navigation panes of website to show several types of programming.

Search bar for easy access to specific programmes.

Large image of a current/previous programme on channel 4 to entice the audience to watch it.

Marquee of programmes showing on channel 4 to entice the audience to tune in at these times.

Sign in/register options to make the audience feel more involved.

Shows name of programme, time its on and what the programme is about..

• Launched – 2 November 1982• Owned by – Channel Four Television Corporation• Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster• Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly

owned• Audience share – 4.5%, 0.8% (+1) (July 2014)

Channel 4 Information

The channel 4 website has a range of features that appeal to the audience and this is what makes their site so successful. Firstly the logo appears in the top left corner on top of a black banner, the logo is white which contrasts against the dark colour highlighting it as an important aspect of the site. This logo stays in the same place throughout the site for consistency reasons which is also a positive, as it means that people will easily know where the logo is situated and it makes channel 4 look like a professional website subsequently.

Channel 4 Analysis

The navigation pane at the top of the page is an important element of the site as it allows people to see all of the features of the site – therefore also allowing the audience to be able to see the variety of options that channel 4 offer including the different sister channels connected with 4. Furthermore, there is a search bar in the top right corner which allows the audience to specify their search, making navigation of the website easier and more user-friendly. Although, a search bar is still in place for access for the audience – so giving them a variety of options is an extremely paramount aspect.

Channel 4 Analysis

The main shows on channel 4 are shown with large images, depicting either the main characters or just an image from the show in order to entice the audience towards the programmes. The images are dominating on the page which is a positive feature as it means that people can clearly get a good interpretation of what the show is about before looking to view it. There is a marquee along the bottom of the page which shows upcoming programmes, the marquee includes images from the programme, the time it is on and the channel it is on which entices the audience.

Channel 4 Analysis

The primary negatives of the channel 4 website are that the colour scheme is quite bland, although matching the logo of the channel, the black and white colour scheme is not appealing and makes the website look unattractive; a lighter colour scheme would attract the audience to the shows because although the images stand out, the site background itself is not particularly eye catching. There is also a lack of synopsis/text for each show, this is a poor feature as it means that the audience are unable to get an interpretation ab0out what the shows are, because an image can only support a programme so far – where as supporting this with a synopsis would entice the audience towards watching the show.

Channel 4 Analysis

Channel 4 has to represent the programmes through images, this therefore means that they are mediated in a sense to represent something that will engage the audience and Channel 4 does this successfully. Firstly, a documentary is shown ‘Jon Richardson Grows up’ with even the language used showing the nature of the programme, the slogan used is ‘Adulthood? Bring it on…’ the ‘adulthood’ links in with the programmes background showing the audience exactly what it is about which entices them. Also, the ellipsis used gives the slogan more tension which makes the audience want to know what the programme is going to show, enticing them to watch it. This gives a good image upon the particular type of programme which is vital for the company.

Channel 4 Further Analysis