For too long careers in the media have been out of the reach of ordinary people in the North. Everything gravitated towards London with all the major players headquartered in the capital. However, Channel 4’s move to Leeds is a great example of why that need not be the case.

The move has been a boon for the region’s creative sector. The creative cluster has grown ever since the national broadcaster set up its HQ in the city. Not only creating jobs itself but also indirectly.

It has been an undoubted success story and it’s not just about getting young people into broadcast either. With the media landscape changing, Channel 4 launched its digital department 4Studio in 2020 out of Leeds. This has created a wealth of opportunities for content creators.

Amber Fox, 22, from Denby Dale near Huddersfield, works as an assistant digital producer for Channel 4 Sport. University wasn’t for her but she has found her feet working for the broadcaster.

The home of Channel 4 in Leeds. PIC: Simon Hulme

placeholder image — The home of Channel 4 in Leeds. PIC: Simon Hulme

There are several other young people who have benefitted from the organisation’s apprenticeship programmes.

What this shows is that the talent is there. It just needs the opportunity to flourish. The region is beginning to see the benefits of Channel 4’s move.

Often, the London centric media has been out of touch with regions like Yorkshire. Having more regional voices at organisations like Channel 4 can only be a good thing for the North.

There’s no reason why young people cannot flourish up here without having to up sticks and move to the capital. More media organisations should consider following suit.