Traces the history and development of Channel 4, one of the UK's best loved and most controversial TV channels. Identifies key figures and signature programmes such as 'Brookside,' 'The Big Breakfast' and 'Wife Swap,' as well as successful American imports including 'Friends' and 'Sex and the City.'
Foreword by Luke Johnson.- Acknowledgements.- 1 How Celebrity Big Brother changed Channel 4.- 2 The long and winding road.- 3 Isaacs: maverick founder.- 4 Godfather in the green Rolls Royce.- 5 Miss No One from Nowhere joins Channel 4.- 6 Launch: a white-knuckle ride.- 7 Disaster! Channel 4 News.- 8 Two tigers at the table.- 9 Calmer waters.- 10 Likely lads flourish as Isaacs leaves.- 11 Dark horse makes the Grade.- 12 Breakfast with handcuffs.- 13 The golden formula.- 14 Britain's Pornographer-in-Chief?.- 15 Drama! GBH, Potter, Film on Four.- 16 Whitehall warriors fight privatisation.- 17 Lexus man arrives.- 18 New things in the air.- 19 Spending spree.- 20 The wall of leisure.- 21 Caught out by 9/11.- 22 Thompson's vaulting ambition.- 23 Two men with L plates.- 24 Big Brother.- 25 Channel 4 at the crossroads.- Conclusion.- Notes.- Index.
