TYNESIDE councils have announced that they have formally submitted a joint bid to bring Channel 4 to the North-East.

Led by Newcastle Gateshead Initiative on behalf of both Newcastle and Gateshead councils, the bid is based on strengths in the creative and digital sectors.

Gateshead Council deputy leader Councillor Catherine Donovan said: “Channel 4’s National HQ could become a Centre of Excellence in data-informed and innovation based broadcasting, a challenger to the norm in revolutionising TV broadcasting.

“As a region we have the fastest growing digital and tech sector in the UK outside of London with fantastic assets on either side of the Tyne.”

Channel 4 intends to create a new national HQ and two creative hubs.

The shortlisted cities will be released at the end of May, followed by the final decision later in the year.

Also outlined in the bid is access to local talent from the region’s five universities and 20 colleges.

Newcastle Council leader Cllr Nick Forbes, added: “Creativity and innovation are joint strengths which unite Tyneside and Channel 4.

“Newcastle and Gateshead have become the unofficial capital of culture in the UK, and Channel 4 demonstrates what can happen when art in all its forms is used to challenge and push forward a nation.”