In a meeting of all of Channel 4's staff, Thompson said: "Creating a leaner, less hierarchical Channel 4 will mean employing fewer people." Job cuts are expected to be announced later in the year, possibly in September.
The announcement came as FilmFour staff awaited news on the future of the film production arm behind films such as 'East is East' and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'. A board meeting is to be held later today, where the production arm is likely to be reduced significantly. As many as 60 staff could lose their jobs.
During today's address, Thompson said that the next year would be a year of transition, and that "striking changes" would be made to the schedule. "We want to build a schedule for growth, audience growth but also talent growth -- a schedule with more risk and more confidence. It will be different."
The immediate restructuring will see the number of commissioning departments at the channel reduced from 13 to eight. However, no jobs will be shed at present. The E4 commissioning team will now be integrated with Channel 4's comedy and entertainment department.
Improved revenue forecasts mean that another £8m has been added to the 2002 programming budget. Thompson said that it would be spent on attracting younger viewers to the station.
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