Multicultural TV on Channel 4

When Channel 4 arrived as the new channel it had multicultural programming built into its programming. We look at two of its earliest and biggest shows.

  • Total running time 109min

Eastern Eye

Channel 4 1985. Director Michael Toppin. 54min. Digital

Black on Black

Channel 4 1983. Director Trevor Hampton. 55min. Digital

A new channel saw the emergence of a new era. Ceaseless campaigning saw Black programming incorporated into the structure of Channel 4. The two flagship shows of the multicultural department, hybrids of variety programming and political reporting, ran until the mid 80s. Eastern Eye focuses on a very different and much-needed kind of British pirate radio station: Asian People’s Radio. Black on Black features the reggae awards and hears from the soon to be queen of Lover’s Rock, Janet Kay.