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Encompass Selected by Channel 4 to Deliver Managed Linear Playout Services
- 28 July, 2026
Multi-Year Partnership Agreement Covers Public Service, Regional and Thematic Channels Using Encompass' Cloud-Native Altitude Platform...
UK: Encompass Digital Media has been selected by Channel 4, one of the UK's public service broadcasters, to deliver managed linear playout services as part of a new multi-year agreement. The announcement follows a comprehensive procurement and evaluation process carried out by Channel 4 ahead of the service's launch in 2027.
Under the agreement, Encompass will partner with Channel 4 to provide channel origination, content supply chain and disaster recovery services across its portfolio, including Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4,
E4 Extra and 4seven.
Encompass will deliver services from its London and Riga broadcast facilities using its cloud-native Altitude platform, including Altitude Playout and Altitude Flow. The deployment is designed to support Channel 4's broadcast operations through a resilient, managed service that combines channel origination with an integrated content supply chain. Encompass's Altitude platforms take a software-defined, remote-first architectural approach, providing Channel 4 with technical and operational flexibility to rapidly and reliably navigate the changing playout and distribution landscape, whilst ensuring the service quality audiences expect from a leading public service broadcaster.
The partnership builds on Encompass' experience delivering managed services for broadcasters around the world and reflects continued demand for cloud-native playout and content supply chain services across the broadcast industry.
"Channel 4 conducted a rigorous procurement process, and we're delighted to have been selected as its managed playout partner," said Marc Bruce, CEO of Encompass. "This agreement reflects the strength
of our technology and our experience supporting leading broadcasters with highly resilient managed services. We look forward to working closely with the Channel 4 team as we prepare for service
launch next year."
"We're pleased to be entering into this new agreement with Encompass," said Grace Boswood, Director
of Technology and Distribution at Channel 4. "Their cloud-native technology and experience supporting modern broadcast environments made them the ideal choice for our future needs, and we look forward
to working together."
Channel 4 exists to create change through entertainment. Publicly owned yet commercially funded,
Channel 4 generates significant and sustainable cultural, economic and social impact across the UK
- at no cost to the taxpayer.
The broadcaster's distinctive remit is set by Parliament, and it has a role to represent unheard voices, challenge with purpose and reinvent entertainment. For more than 40 years, it has been a British success story, engaging generation after generation of young people.
Working with hundreds of creative companies every year, Channel 4 makes a major contribution
to the local, regional and national economy, creating and supporting thousands of jobs and
businesses across the country.
In 2024, Channel 4 launched its Fast Forward strategy to accelerate its transformation into an agile and genuinely digital-first public service streamer by 2030. It is designed to ensure Channel 4 embraces the generational shift in TV viewing, elevates its impact across the UK and stands out in a crowded market.
From its bases in London, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow, Channel 4 is fully committed to harnessing the power of its regional structure to increase its impact across the UK.
Through its training and development initiative 4Skills is opening up opportunities in broadcasting, with a particular focus on disadvantaged young people and addressing skills gaps across the Nations and Regions. 4Skills invests millions in training, development and learning opportunities annually.
Through Film4 Productions, Channel 4 also invests in British filmmakers to huge critical acclaim,
producing 43 Oscar wins and 97 BAFTA wins in its history.
Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company that is technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. World-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms rely on its unique global reach, unrivalled quality of service, and unmatched industry expertise to make the most
of their media. Every day, Encompass processes over 25,000 hours of content and serves 850 channels
to 84 countries; it distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners
weekly worldwide.
Encompass' cloud-first Altitude products - supported by IP distribution, 34,000 miles of fibre, 24/7 NOCs,
50+ satellite platforms, and experienced, passionate people - operate in the sweet spot of high availability
and high quality that audiences now demand, enabling content providers to navigate change flexibly
and deliver content flawlessly to any audience.
