Community Channel says it’s seeking to become the UK’s first community-owned television, online and mobile brand.
It’s offering filmmakers, charities, media partners and viewers the opportunity to take a stake in the channel through community shares on crowdfunding platform, Crowdfunder.
Community Channel, which is available on Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media and Freesat, is describing the offer as an “IPO for the people”.
Caroline Diehl, CEO and Founder of Media Trust, the charity that launched Community Channel, said: “This is an IPO for the people. Community Channel’s community share issue will create a step-change in its work and underpin its vision to inspire storytellers to promote their causes, share their voices, their inspiration and their impact. Crucially, it will be owned by the community and for the community – independent, creative and committed to social action.”
Launched in 2000, Community Channel now says it will become self-financing within five years.
