Channel 4 vs RTS

Channel 4 Announces First Branded Microdrama Series

Channel 4 has announced its first branded microdrama series, 'The Guest List', as part of its digital-first strategy. The five-part vertical short-form series will be available on Channel 4's Meta, TikTok, and YouTube channels from October 24. The series is produced by curly media, a social-first creative agency, in partnership with skincare and fragrance brand Sol de Janeiro, with the deal brokered by Zenith UK. The drama follows four women in their twenties, with each character inspired by Sol de Janeiro's Intense Mist fragrance range. This move marks Channel 4's entry into the microdrama market, which Omdia forecasts to reach $14 billion in global revenues by end of 2026, primarily driven by women aged 25-45. Channel 4 continues to expand its digital programming strategy, having previously launched digital-first brand Channel 4.0 and content on various social platforms.

• Channel 4 announces its first branded microdrama series 'The Guest List', a five-part vertical short-form series.
• The series will be available on Channel 4's Meta, TikTok, and YouTube channels from 24th October.
• The series is produced by curly media in partnership with Sol de Janeiro, with the deal brokered by Zenith UK.

Global TV Trends: Linear Shrinks, SVoD Stagnates, Social Grows

At MIPCOM 2026, The Glance's Frédéric Vaulpré and Candice Alessandra presented data on global video consumption trends. Key findings include: linear TV is losing share in most major markets, SVoD growth is plateauing in France, UK, and US, while video-sharing platforms like YouTube are consistently growing. In France, SVoD ad revenue doubled to around €200 million in one year, with 55% of new Netflix subscribers choosing the ad-supported tier. The Glance also highlighted upcoming industry influences: mergers like Sky and ITV, high-profile series launches (Harry Potter, Blade Runner 2099), and US midterm elections. Programming trends show a shift towards returning series and back catalog titles on Netflix, and an increased windowing of originals to local broadcasters.

• The Glance presented analysis of global video usage at MIPCOM 2026.
• Linear TV's share of video viewing declined in most major markets over the past two years.
• SVoD advertising revenue in France doubled to €200 million in one year.

Faith In Nature Debuts First TV Ad in 52 Years

Faith In Nature, a UK-based eco-friendly personal care brand, launched its first-ever TV advertisement in its 52-year history, winning a slot through Channel 4's B Corp competition. The ad, titled 'Bees R Good', features a DIY-style production with employees in homemade costumes, celebrating the brand's commitment to nature and its unique corporate governance where 'Nature' holds a board seat. The campaign premiered on Channel 4 on October 4, 2026, and will air until the end of October. The ad was created by creative agency Dream Quickly, directed by John Ogunmuyiwa, and produced by Blink Productions. Faith In Nature shares a £600,000 prize pool with four other B Corp winners.

• Faith In Nature aired its first TV ad in 52 years.
• The ad 'Bees R Good' premiered on Channel 4 on October 4, 2026.
• The campaign was created by Dream Quickly and directed by John Ogunmuyiwa.

RTS News Staff Warns of Overload Since Move

More than 200 employees at Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), including journalists, technicians, and external staff, have signed an open letter to RTS management and SRG, warning of exhaustion, technical failures, and burnout since the newsroom's move to Ecublens. The letter cites a recent on-air incident on La Première where a news bulletin was interrupted by music and silence, which they say is the culmination of three years of decline. They demand a moratorium on the planned merger of radio and TV newsrooms and on new digital formats until TV teams are also settled, as well as a review of transferred technical duties. The RTS spokesperson says the situation is taken seriously and a task force has been set up, while discussions with the journalists' association continue.

• Over 200 RTS employees signed a letter to management complaining of burnout and technical failures since the move to Ecublens.
• A recent on-air incident on La Première interrupted a news bulletin with music and silence for 11 minutes.
• Employees demand a moratorium on the merger of radio and TV newsrooms and on new digital formats.

RTS faces recurring technical glitches at new Ecublens headquarters

Since moving its radio operations to the new headquarters in Ecublens, Swiss public broadcaster RTS has been experiencing recurring technical issues, including a notable 11-minute disruption of the morning news flash on October 1, 2026. The move from Lausanne began in November 2025, with full relocation by late June 2026. The new studios feature advanced technology, including self-production capabilities, but teething problems have persisted. Management has now established a task force to stabilize systems in cooperation with equipment manufacturers. RTS downplays the severity, noting the normal challenges of commissioning new infrastructure, but internal dissatisfaction is reportedly high. The public reaction has been limited, with only a few dozen listener complaints.

• RTS moved its radio operations to a new headquarters in Ecublens, with the full relocation completed by late June 2026.
• A technical glitch on October 1, 2026 caused an 11-minute disruption of the morning news flash on RTS La Première.
• RTS management established a task force to address recurring technical issues and stabilize systems with manufacturers.

Jodie Whittaker to star in new media law drama In Contempt

ITV has commissioned In Contempt, a legal drama starring Jodie Whittaker (Doctor…). Also: RTS Television Journalism Awards 2027 open for entries; new trailers for The Celebrity Traitors, Break Clause, Bookish, The Split Up; and more.