Channel 4 to outsource playout to...Latvia

Channel 4 has signed a multi-year contract with Encompass Digital Media to provide its linear channel playout services. The deal will come into effect in 2027 and includes Channel 4 and all of its spinoff channels such as E4 and Film4. The deal does not include Channel 4 streaming.

The operations will be jointly managed from London and Riga using a cloud-native system. This will give Channel 4 a secondary playout location in the event of a DR situation, something they infamously lacked during the Red Bee incident of 2021. Each facility has its own fire suppression system.

Playout includes building the playlist for a channel, creating and generating graphics, continuity announcements and other services. Neither Channel 4 or Encompass Digital Media have disclosed a price for the deal. Channel 4 playout is currently handled by Red Bee Media, a subsidiary of Ericsson.