THE broadcaster and writer Stuart Cosgrove is to lead Glasgow's bid to attract Channel 4's new national headquarters to the city.
Cosgrove is known to the channel: he serves as its first controller of arts and entertainment and was also head of programmes for nations and regions until 2015.
He is to chair a new board which will lead the pitch to build the new broadcasting base in the city.
The bid last night received backing from leading television executives.
Herald View: Why Channel 4 should tune into case for Glasgow
Mark Hedgecoe, the head of Pacific Quay Productions at BBC Studios, said: "We are very excited about Glasgow's bid.
“BBC Studios has a range of production bases around the UK and has a commitment to making programmes outside London.
“Given Pacific Quay Productions are based in Glasgow, we are well aware of the huge attractions and advantages of making programmes in the city.
"We fully back the bid."
Herald View: Why Channel 4 should tune into case for Glasgow
Channel 4 is to invite pitches from cities across the UK to host the base, as well as other production hubs, in the biggest shake up at the broadcaster in its 35 year history.
Glasgow is likely to face keen competition from other cities, notably Birmingham.
Alan Clements, the chief executive of STV Productions, said: “We’re proud to be an integral part of the innovative, passionate hub of Glasgow’s thriving creative industries sector, which boasts a superb, talented skills base and a strong record of success both nationally and internationally.
“We would be delighted to see a national HQ for Channel 4 joining this exciting media environment; enabling the partnerships we already enjoy with the channel to be further enhanced and extended.”
The bid is being led by Glasgow City Council, and has garnered support from the Scottish Government.
Herald View: Why Channel 4 should tune into case for Glasgow
Mr Cosgrove said Glasgow has everything that Channel 4 needs for its new headquarters, "including a dynamic and original independent broadcast sector."
He added: "The same values and qualities that typify Glasgow are ingrained in the culture and identity of Channel 4.
"They are bold and provocative, with real heart – and they both attract and celebrate innovative and diverse people.
"Channel 4 and Glasgow are made for one another."
During his time at Channel 4, he represented the channel’s programme team at board level.
He chaired the Scottish Government’s Digital Media Strategy Board, on behalf of Scottish Enterprise.
Herald View: Why Channel 4 should tune into case for Glasgow
Mr Cosgrove is also an award-winning author.
His most recent book, Memphis 68: The Tragedy of Southern Soul, was named winner of the 2018 Penderyn Music Book Prize on Sunday.
Cllr Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “I’m delighted Stuart has agreed to Chair Glasgow’s bid.
“Both this city and the channel are clearly close to his heart – and there is nobody who better understands how the two can complement each other.”
The council expects to gather cross-party support for the endeavour.
Yesterday the Glasgow North East MP and Shadow Scotland Minister, Paul Sweeney, backed the plan, as did the Labour representatives on the council.
However he said a second independence referendum for Scotland could potentially derail the bid.
Mr Sweeney said: "Glasgow has always had big ambitions and becoming the main base for a UK-wide broadcaster would be a huge step towards our ambition to build a world-class media industry in the city.
Herald View: Why Channel 4 should tune into case for Glasgow
"Glasgow already boasts an enviable pool of creative and technical talent in broadcast media production, with the BBC and STV forming the hub of our ‘Creative Clyde’.
"I am certain that our magnificent, vibrant city can also attract the brightest and the best from elsewhere in the UK."
Councillor Eva Murray said: "Glasgow Labour has long actively campaigned for broadcasting and publishing to be based in our city; with facilities like the Glasgow Film Partnership and the Lighthouse demonstrating that our city is a centre of media and cultural excellence.
"Labour is 100% behind this bid."
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