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Case Study

Channel 4

Channel 4

Channel 4

Channel 4

Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image
Spicy Mango - Channel 4 Case Study Image

Overview 

Channel 4, one of the UK’s leading public service broadcasters, recognised the need to refresh its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Eager to streamline vendor selection across both product and technology, Channel 4 sought a structured and efficient approach to running a tender process. They chose Spicy Mango not only for our strategic expertise but also for our extensive reference materials - enabling the project to realise time and cost savings versus a blank canvas approach.


About Channel 4

Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster established in 1982. Renowned for its diverse and often ground-breaking programming, Channel 4’s remit is to challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and offer an alternative voice in UK broadcasting. Owned by the Channel Four Television Corporation, it invests heavily in original productions across a range of platforms - from linear TV to digital streaming - ensuring it remains a relevant and engaging presence in the ever-evolving media landscape.

 

The Challenge 

Ageing Technology Estate 

Channel 4’s existing systems required significant investment to develop and maintain, limiting the broadcaster’s ability to modernise and adapt quickly. 

Limited Use of Market Innovation 

While cutting-edge OTT technologies were readily available, Channel 4 needed a more structured approach to discover, evaluate, and adopt these external solutions effectively. 

Time-to-Market Pressures 

The organisation’s ability to roll out new features swiftly was compromised, hampering efforts to keep pace with changing viewer expectations and dynamic market conditions. 

Balancing Platform Investment vs. Operating Costs

Channel 4 needed to carefully manage the overall cost of developing and running its product and technology platform, ensuring that each new investment delivered clear value without overstretching resources or inflating ongoing expenses.


What consumers expect of OTT platforms

Learn

Understand their content tastes: Consumers want personalised recommendations that reflect their unique interests and past viewing habits, so they can quickly discover new shows and films.

Proactive content guidance: OTT providers should use AI to help users easily navigate a vast content library, suggesting programmes or films that best match their mood, preferred genres, or trending topics.

Buy

Seamless subscription experience: Customers expect an effortless sign-up process, perhaps with one-click registration or the ability to subscribe through existing digital wallets or app-store accounts.

Relevant offers and bundles: Viewers appreciate special promotions or package deals based on their preferences or viewing history, driving higher perceived value from the OTT platform.

Get

Instant access and setup: Once a subscription is purchased, consumers want immediate access to content across all supported devices—without complicated logins or lengthy configurations.

Predictive onboarding: AI-driven tutorials or setup processes can suggest device optimisations, parental controls, or default language/audio settings tailored to the user’s profile, ensuring a smooth start.

Use

Adaptive streaming quality: If service issues arise—such as bandwidth constraints—consumers expect proactive notifications and automatic adjustments in streaming quality to avoid buffering or downtime.

Personalised content journeys: OTT services should analyse viewing patterns to recommend what to watch next, provide notifications when anticipated shows release new episodes, and offer curated playlists to keep engagement high.

Pay

Flexible payment and subscription options: Users appreciate dynamic pricing models (e.g., pay-as-you-go, tiered subscriptions, or bundled offers) that adapt to their budget or viewing habits.

Proactive account management: Advanced AI can identify when viewers might be overspending or under-utilising specific channels or features, then suggest cost-saving options or alternative plans to match actual usage.

Support

Real-time, context-aware assistance: When technical issues occur—such as app crashes or playback errors—consumers expect instantaneous, channel-appropriate help, be it live chat, in-app guidance, or voice support.

Predictive care and sentiment analysis: AI-enabled systems should detect user frustration (e.g., repeated buffering, error messages) and offer rapid solutions or compensation, reinforcing trust and loyalty.

 

Our Collaborative Approach 

Establishing the Tender Strategy 

Working closely with Channel 4’s internal teams, Spicy Mango led a series of workshops to define priorities and success criteria for the tender:

Joint Prioritisation: We guided Channel 4 through aligning product, commercial, and technical goals into a single cohesive vision.

Clear Scope Definition: By leveraging our proven reference materials, we were able to reduce the time needed to document requirements, significantly shortening the project timeline.

 

Crafting a Structured RFP Pack 

To facilitate consistent evaluation, we collaborated with Channel 4 to create a comprehensive yet concise RFP pack:

Consistent Vendor Assessment: A well-defined set of functional and technical requirements enabled vendors to submit responses in a standardised format.

Transparent Evaluation Criteria: Scoring matrices - covering everything from technology stack compatibility to commercial viability - ensured an equitable assessment.

Streamlined Documentation: Our prior tender experience and templates helped Channel 4 quickly pull together a best-in-class RFP pack, substantially reducing drafting and review cycles.

 

Running the Tender Process 

Rather than simply handing over documentation, Spicy Mango actively steered Channel 4’s teams through the process:

Project Governance: Joint governance structures that kept the process on track, with frequent checkpoints for stakeholder feedback.

Comparative Analysis: Once proposals were received, we supported Channel 4 in interpreting and comparing responses, using our structured tools to expedite decision-making.

 

Timeline Acceleration 

By applying our established frameworks, Spicy Mango enabled Channel 4 to conclude the requirements and evaluation process faster than originally planned:

Faster Requirement Collation: Our ready-made materials and proven methodologies removed the need for excessive back-and-forth, allowing Channel 4 teams to focus on priority decisions.

Efficient Stakeholder Alignment: Clear documentation and transparent scoring simplified cross-departmental discussions, reducing the risk of delays.

Significant Cost Savings: Shortening the project duration not only saved time but also reduced additional resourcing costs and potential overlap with other Channel 4 initiatives.

 

Key Outcomes

Comprehensive RFP Pack 

Channel 4 now was provided a robust, easy-to-reference tender framework that supports consistent vendor comparisons and can be adapted for future procurements.

 

Reduced Project Timeline 

Delivering the tender earlier than projected enabled Channel 4 to move swiftly into solution selection and implementation - staying ahead of market pressures.

 

Stakeholder Alignment 

Collaborative steering ensured full buy-in across Product, Technology, and other teams, strengthening the foundation for successful vendor relationships.

 

Optimised Costs 

The accelerated process and focused documentation efforts resulted in notable cost savings, allowing Channel 4 to reinvest resources into other strategic initiatives.

 

Future-Ready OTT Platform 

By dedicating attention to both product and technology, Channel 4 is now primed for it's future with a modern, scalable OTT service that can grow with evolving viewer demands.

 

Conclusion

With Spicy Mango’s support, Channel 4 condensed the entire project timeline by months, saving both time and money while ensuring all stakeholders remained actively engaged. Channel 4’s tender process demonstrates the impact of a collaborative, well-structured approach to product and technology procurement. By combining Channel 4’s deep operational insights with Spicy Mango’s proven frameworks and reference materials, the organisation is now set to deploy a forward-looking OTT platform that meets viewers’ high expectations and stands strong in a competitive market.


About Spicy Mango

Spicy Mango is a specialist technology consultancy that partners with media, broadcasting, and OTT providers to accelerate product and platform transformations. With deep domain expertise and a track record of successful project delivery, we help our clients simplify complex challenges - whether it’s modernising legacy systems, optimising workflows, or integrating cutting-edge solutions. Guided by a collaborative ethos, Spicy Mango leverages proven frameworks and reference materials to streamline procurement, reduce costs, and drive measurable outcomes. We pride ourselves on delivering future-ready platforms that empower clients to innovate, scale, and delight audiences in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Overview 

Channel 4, one of the UK’s leading public service broadcasters, recognised the need to refresh its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Eager to streamline vendor selection across both product and technology, Channel 4 sought a structured and efficient approach to running a tender process. They chose Spicy Mango not only for our strategic expertise but also for our extensive reference materials - enabling the project to realise time and cost savings versus a blank canvas approach.


About Channel 4

Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster established in 1982. Renowned for its diverse and often ground-breaking programming, Channel 4’s remit is to challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and offer an alternative voice in UK broadcasting. Owned by the Channel Four Television Corporation, it invests heavily in original productions across a range of platforms - from linear TV to digital streaming - ensuring it remains a relevant and engaging presence in the ever-evolving media landscape.

 

The Challenge 

Ageing Technology Estate 

Channel 4’s existing systems required significant investment to develop and maintain, limiting the broadcaster’s ability to modernise and adapt quickly. 

Limited Use of Market Innovation 

While cutting-edge OTT technologies were readily available, Channel 4 needed a more structured approach to discover, evaluate, and adopt these external solutions effectively. 

Time-to-Market Pressures 

The organisation’s ability to roll out new features swiftly was compromised, hampering efforts to keep pace with changing viewer expectations and dynamic market conditions. 

Balancing Platform Investment vs. Operating Costs

Channel 4 needed to carefully manage the overall cost of developing and running its product and technology platform, ensuring that each new investment delivered clear value without overstretching resources or inflating ongoing expenses.


What consumers expect of OTT platforms

Learn

Understand their content tastes: Consumers want personalised recommendations that reflect their unique interests and past viewing habits, so they can quickly discover new shows and films.

Proactive content guidance: OTT providers should use AI to help users easily navigate a vast content library, suggesting programmes or films that best match their mood, preferred genres, or trending topics.

Buy

Seamless subscription experience: Customers expect an effortless sign-up process, perhaps with one-click registration or the ability to subscribe through existing digital wallets or app-store accounts.

Relevant offers and bundles: Viewers appreciate special promotions or package deals based on their preferences or viewing history, driving higher perceived value from the OTT platform.

Get

Instant access and setup: Once a subscription is purchased, consumers want immediate access to content across all supported devices—without complicated logins or lengthy configurations.

Predictive onboarding: AI-driven tutorials or setup processes can suggest device optimisations, parental controls, or default language/audio settings tailored to the user’s profile, ensuring a smooth start.

Use

Adaptive streaming quality: If service issues arise—such as bandwidth constraints—consumers expect proactive notifications and automatic adjustments in streaming quality to avoid buffering or downtime.

Personalised content journeys: OTT services should analyse viewing patterns to recommend what to watch next, provide notifications when anticipated shows release new episodes, and offer curated playlists to keep engagement high.

Pay

Flexible payment and subscription options: Users appreciate dynamic pricing models (e.g., pay-as-you-go, tiered subscriptions, or bundled offers) that adapt to their budget or viewing habits.

Proactive account management: Advanced AI can identify when viewers might be overspending or under-utilising specific channels or features, then suggest cost-saving options or alternative plans to match actual usage.

Support

Real-time, context-aware assistance: When technical issues occur—such as app crashes or playback errors—consumers expect instantaneous, channel-appropriate help, be it live chat, in-app guidance, or voice support.

Predictive care and sentiment analysis: AI-enabled systems should detect user frustration (e.g., repeated buffering, error messages) and offer rapid solutions or compensation, reinforcing trust and loyalty.

 

Our Collaborative Approach 

Establishing the Tender Strategy 

Working closely with Channel 4’s internal teams, Spicy Mango led a series of workshops to define priorities and success criteria for the tender:

Joint Prioritisation: We guided Channel 4 through aligning product, commercial, and technical goals into a single cohesive vision.

Clear Scope Definition: By leveraging our proven reference materials, we were able to reduce the time needed to document requirements, significantly shortening the project timeline.

 

Crafting a Structured RFP Pack 

To facilitate consistent evaluation, we collaborated with Channel 4 to create a comprehensive yet concise RFP pack:

Consistent Vendor Assessment: A well-defined set of functional and technical requirements enabled vendors to submit responses in a standardised format.

Transparent Evaluation Criteria: Scoring matrices - covering everything from technology stack compatibility to commercial viability - ensured an equitable assessment.

Streamlined Documentation: Our prior tender experience and templates helped Channel 4 quickly pull together a best-in-class RFP pack, substantially reducing drafting and review cycles.

 

Running the Tender Process 

Rather than simply handing over documentation, Spicy Mango actively steered Channel 4’s teams through the process:

Project Governance: Joint governance structures that kept the process on track, with frequent checkpoints for stakeholder feedback.

Comparative Analysis: Once proposals were received, we supported Channel 4 in interpreting and comparing responses, using our structured tools to expedite decision-making.

 

Timeline Acceleration 

By applying our established frameworks, Spicy Mango enabled Channel 4 to conclude the requirements and evaluation process faster than originally planned:

Faster Requirement Collation: Our ready-made materials and proven methodologies removed the need for excessive back-and-forth, allowing Channel 4 teams to focus on priority decisions.

Efficient Stakeholder Alignment: Clear documentation and transparent scoring simplified cross-departmental discussions, reducing the risk of delays.

Significant Cost Savings: Shortening the project duration not only saved time but also reduced additional resourcing costs and potential overlap with other Channel 4 initiatives.

 

Key Outcomes

Comprehensive RFP Pack 

Channel 4 now was provided a robust, easy-to-reference tender framework that supports consistent vendor comparisons and can be adapted for future procurements.

 

Reduced Project Timeline 

Delivering the tender earlier than projected enabled Channel 4 to move swiftly into solution selection and implementation - staying ahead of market pressures.

 

Stakeholder Alignment 

Collaborative steering ensured full buy-in across Product, Technology, and other teams, strengthening the foundation for successful vendor relationships.

 

Optimised Costs 

The accelerated process and focused documentation efforts resulted in notable cost savings, allowing Channel 4 to reinvest resources into other strategic initiatives.

 

Future-Ready OTT Platform 

By dedicating attention to both product and technology, Channel 4 is now primed for it's future with a modern, scalable OTT service that can grow with evolving viewer demands.

 

Conclusion

With Spicy Mango’s support, Channel 4 condensed the entire project timeline by months, saving both time and money while ensuring all stakeholders remained actively engaged. Channel 4’s tender process demonstrates the impact of a collaborative, well-structured approach to product and technology procurement. By combining Channel 4’s deep operational insights with Spicy Mango’s proven frameworks and reference materials, the organisation is now set to deploy a forward-looking OTT platform that meets viewers’ high expectations and stands strong in a competitive market.


About Spicy Mango

Spicy Mango is a specialist technology consultancy that partners with media, broadcasting, and OTT providers to accelerate product and platform transformations. With deep domain expertise and a track record of successful project delivery, we help our clients simplify complex challenges - whether it’s modernising legacy systems, optimising workflows, or integrating cutting-edge solutions. Guided by a collaborative ethos, Spicy Mango leverages proven frameworks and reference materials to streamline procurement, reduce costs, and drive measurable outcomes. We pride ourselves on delivering future-ready platforms that empower clients to innovate, scale, and delight audiences in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Overview 

Channel 4, one of the UK’s leading public service broadcasters, recognised the need to refresh its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Eager to streamline vendor selection across both product and technology, Channel 4 sought a structured and efficient approach to running a tender process. They chose Spicy Mango not only for our strategic expertise but also for our extensive reference materials - enabling the project to realise time and cost savings versus a blank canvas approach.


About Channel 4

Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster established in 1982. Renowned for its diverse and often ground-breaking programming, Channel 4’s remit is to challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and offer an alternative voice in UK broadcasting. Owned by the Channel Four Television Corporation, it invests heavily in original productions across a range of platforms - from linear TV to digital streaming - ensuring it remains a relevant and engaging presence in the ever-evolving media landscape.

 

The Challenge 

Ageing Technology Estate 

Channel 4’s existing systems required significant investment to develop and maintain, limiting the broadcaster’s ability to modernise and adapt quickly. 

Limited Use of Market Innovation 

While cutting-edge OTT technologies were readily available, Channel 4 needed a more structured approach to discover, evaluate, and adopt these external solutions effectively. 

Time-to-Market Pressures 

The organisation’s ability to roll out new features swiftly was compromised, hampering efforts to keep pace with changing viewer expectations and dynamic market conditions. 

Balancing Platform Investment vs. Operating Costs

Channel 4 needed to carefully manage the overall cost of developing and running its product and technology platform, ensuring that each new investment delivered clear value without overstretching resources or inflating ongoing expenses.


What consumers expect of OTT platforms

Learn

Understand their content tastes: Consumers want personalised recommendations that reflect their unique interests and past viewing habits, so they can quickly discover new shows and films.

Proactive content guidance: OTT providers should use AI to help users easily navigate a vast content library, suggesting programmes or films that best match their mood, preferred genres, or trending topics.

Buy

Seamless subscription experience: Customers expect an effortless sign-up process, perhaps with one-click registration or the ability to subscribe through existing digital wallets or app-store accounts.

Relevant offers and bundles: Viewers appreciate special promotions or package deals based on their preferences or viewing history, driving higher perceived value from the OTT platform.

Get

Instant access and setup: Once a subscription is purchased, consumers want immediate access to content across all supported devices—without complicated logins or lengthy configurations.

Predictive onboarding: AI-driven tutorials or setup processes can suggest device optimisations, parental controls, or default language/audio settings tailored to the user’s profile, ensuring a smooth start.

Use

Adaptive streaming quality: If service issues arise—such as bandwidth constraints—consumers expect proactive notifications and automatic adjustments in streaming quality to avoid buffering or downtime.

Personalised content journeys: OTT services should analyse viewing patterns to recommend what to watch next, provide notifications when anticipated shows release new episodes, and offer curated playlists to keep engagement high.

Pay

Flexible payment and subscription options: Users appreciate dynamic pricing models (e.g., pay-as-you-go, tiered subscriptions, or bundled offers) that adapt to their budget or viewing habits.

Proactive account management: Advanced AI can identify when viewers might be overspending or under-utilising specific channels or features, then suggest cost-saving options or alternative plans to match actual usage.

Support

Real-time, context-aware assistance: When technical issues occur—such as app crashes or playback errors—consumers expect instantaneous, channel-appropriate help, be it live chat, in-app guidance, or voice support.

Predictive care and sentiment analysis: AI-enabled systems should detect user frustration (e.g., repeated buffering, error messages) and offer rapid solutions or compensation, reinforcing trust and loyalty.

 

Our Collaborative Approach 

Establishing the Tender Strategy 

Working closely with Channel 4’s internal teams, Spicy Mango led a series of workshops to define priorities and success criteria for the tender:

Joint Prioritisation: We guided Channel 4 through aligning product, commercial, and technical goals into a single cohesive vision.

Clear Scope Definition: By leveraging our proven reference materials, we were able to reduce the time needed to document requirements, significantly shortening the project timeline.

 

Crafting a Structured RFP Pack 

To facilitate consistent evaluation, we collaborated with Channel 4 to create a comprehensive yet concise RFP pack:

Consistent Vendor Assessment: A well-defined set of functional and technical requirements enabled vendors to submit responses in a standardised format.

Transparent Evaluation Criteria: Scoring matrices - covering everything from technology stack compatibility to commercial viability - ensured an equitable assessment.

Streamlined Documentation: Our prior tender experience and templates helped Channel 4 quickly pull together a best-in-class RFP pack, substantially reducing drafting and review cycles.

 

Running the Tender Process 

Rather than simply handing over documentation, Spicy Mango actively steered Channel 4’s teams through the process:

Project Governance: Joint governance structures that kept the process on track, with frequent checkpoints for stakeholder feedback.

Comparative Analysis: Once proposals were received, we supported Channel 4 in interpreting and comparing responses, using our structured tools to expedite decision-making.

 

Timeline Acceleration 

By applying our established frameworks, Spicy Mango enabled Channel 4 to conclude the requirements and evaluation process faster than originally planned:

Faster Requirement Collation: Our ready-made materials and proven methodologies removed the need for excessive back-and-forth, allowing Channel 4 teams to focus on priority decisions.

Efficient Stakeholder Alignment: Clear documentation and transparent scoring simplified cross-departmental discussions, reducing the risk of delays.

Significant Cost Savings: Shortening the project duration not only saved time but also reduced additional resourcing costs and potential overlap with other Channel 4 initiatives.

 

Key Outcomes

Comprehensive RFP Pack 

Channel 4 now was provided a robust, easy-to-reference tender framework that supports consistent vendor comparisons and can be adapted for future procurements.

 

Reduced Project Timeline 

Delivering the tender earlier than projected enabled Channel 4 to move swiftly into solution selection and implementation - staying ahead of market pressures.

 

Stakeholder Alignment 

Collaborative steering ensured full buy-in across Product, Technology, and other teams, strengthening the foundation for successful vendor relationships.

 

Optimised Costs 

The accelerated process and focused documentation efforts resulted in notable cost savings, allowing Channel 4 to reinvest resources into other strategic initiatives.

 

Future-Ready OTT Platform 

By dedicating attention to both product and technology, Channel 4 is now primed for it's future with a modern, scalable OTT service that can grow with evolving viewer demands.

 

Conclusion

With Spicy Mango’s support, Channel 4 condensed the entire project timeline by months, saving both time and money while ensuring all stakeholders remained actively engaged. Channel 4’s tender process demonstrates the impact of a collaborative, well-structured approach to product and technology procurement. By combining Channel 4’s deep operational insights with Spicy Mango’s proven frameworks and reference materials, the organisation is now set to deploy a forward-looking OTT platform that meets viewers’ high expectations and stands strong in a competitive market.


About Spicy Mango

Spicy Mango is a specialist technology consultancy that partners with media, broadcasting, and OTT providers to accelerate product and platform transformations. With deep domain expertise and a track record of successful project delivery, we help our clients simplify complex challenges - whether it’s modernising legacy systems, optimising workflows, or integrating cutting-edge solutions. Guided by a collaborative ethos, Spicy Mango leverages proven frameworks and reference materials to streamline procurement, reduce costs, and drive measurable outcomes. We pride ourselves on delivering future-ready platforms that empower clients to innovate, scale, and delight audiences in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Overview 

Channel 4, one of the UK’s leading public service broadcasters, recognised the need to refresh its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Eager to streamline vendor selection across both product and technology, Channel 4 sought a structured and efficient approach to running a tender process. They chose Spicy Mango not only for our strategic expertise but also for our extensive reference materials - enabling the project to realise time and cost savings versus a blank canvas approach.


About Channel 4

Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster established in 1982. Renowned for its diverse and often ground-breaking programming, Channel 4’s remit is to challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and offer an alternative voice in UK broadcasting. Owned by the Channel Four Television Corporation, it invests heavily in original productions across a range of platforms - from linear TV to digital streaming - ensuring it remains a relevant and engaging presence in the ever-evolving media landscape.

 

The Challenge 

Ageing Technology Estate 

Channel 4’s existing systems required significant investment to develop and maintain, limiting the broadcaster’s ability to modernise and adapt quickly. 

Limited Use of Market Innovation 

While cutting-edge OTT technologies were readily available, Channel 4 needed a more structured approach to discover, evaluate, and adopt these external solutions effectively. 

Time-to-Market Pressures 

The organisation’s ability to roll out new features swiftly was compromised, hampering efforts to keep pace with changing viewer expectations and dynamic market conditions. 

Balancing Platform Investment vs. Operating Costs

Channel 4 needed to carefully manage the overall cost of developing and running its product and technology platform, ensuring that each new investment delivered clear value without overstretching resources or inflating ongoing expenses.


What consumers expect of OTT platforms

Learn

Understand their content tastes: Consumers want personalised recommendations that reflect their unique interests and past viewing habits, so they can quickly discover new shows and films.

Proactive content guidance: OTT providers should use AI to help users easily navigate a vast content library, suggesting programmes or films that best match their mood, preferred genres, or trending topics.

Buy

Seamless subscription experience: Customers expect an effortless sign-up process, perhaps with one-click registration or the ability to subscribe through existing digital wallets or app-store accounts.

Relevant offers and bundles: Viewers appreciate special promotions or package deals based on their preferences or viewing history, driving higher perceived value from the OTT platform.

Get

Instant access and setup: Once a subscription is purchased, consumers want immediate access to content across all supported devices—without complicated logins or lengthy configurations.

Predictive onboarding: AI-driven tutorials or setup processes can suggest device optimisations, parental controls, or default language/audio settings tailored to the user’s profile, ensuring a smooth start.

Use

Adaptive streaming quality: If service issues arise—such as bandwidth constraints—consumers expect proactive notifications and automatic adjustments in streaming quality to avoid buffering or downtime.

Personalised content journeys: OTT services should analyse viewing patterns to recommend what to watch next, provide notifications when anticipated shows release new episodes, and offer curated playlists to keep engagement high.

Pay

Flexible payment and subscription options: Users appreciate dynamic pricing models (e.g., pay-as-you-go, tiered subscriptions, or bundled offers) that adapt to their budget or viewing habits.

Proactive account management: Advanced AI can identify when viewers might be overspending or under-utilising specific channels or features, then suggest cost-saving options or alternative plans to match actual usage.

Support

Real-time, context-aware assistance: When technical issues occur—such as app crashes or playback errors—consumers expect instantaneous, channel-appropriate help, be it live chat, in-app guidance, or voice support.

Predictive care and sentiment analysis: AI-enabled systems should detect user frustration (e.g., repeated buffering, error messages) and offer rapid solutions or compensation, reinforcing trust and loyalty.

 

Our Collaborative Approach 

Establishing the Tender Strategy 

Working closely with Channel 4’s internal teams, Spicy Mango led a series of workshops to define priorities and success criteria for the tender:

Joint Prioritisation: We guided Channel 4 through aligning product, commercial, and technical goals into a single cohesive vision.

Clear Scope Definition: By leveraging our proven reference materials, we were able to reduce the time needed to document requirements, significantly shortening the project timeline.

 

Crafting a Structured RFP Pack 

To facilitate consistent evaluation, we collaborated with Channel 4 to create a comprehensive yet concise RFP pack:

Consistent Vendor Assessment: A well-defined set of functional and technical requirements enabled vendors to submit responses in a standardised format.

Transparent Evaluation Criteria: Scoring matrices - covering everything from technology stack compatibility to commercial viability - ensured an equitable assessment.

Streamlined Documentation: Our prior tender experience and templates helped Channel 4 quickly pull together a best-in-class RFP pack, substantially reducing drafting and review cycles.

 

Running the Tender Process 

Rather than simply handing over documentation, Spicy Mango actively steered Channel 4’s teams through the process:

Project Governance: Joint governance structures that kept the process on track, with frequent checkpoints for stakeholder feedback.

Comparative Analysis: Once proposals were received, we supported Channel 4 in interpreting and comparing responses, using our structured tools to expedite decision-making.

 

Timeline Acceleration 

By applying our established frameworks, Spicy Mango enabled Channel 4 to conclude the requirements and evaluation process faster than originally planned:

Faster Requirement Collation: Our ready-made materials and proven methodologies removed the need for excessive back-and-forth, allowing Channel 4 teams to focus on priority decisions.

Efficient Stakeholder Alignment: Clear documentation and transparent scoring simplified cross-departmental discussions, reducing the risk of delays.

Significant Cost Savings: Shortening the project duration not only saved time but also reduced additional resourcing costs and potential overlap with other Channel 4 initiatives.

 

Key Outcomes

Comprehensive RFP Pack 

Channel 4 now was provided a robust, easy-to-reference tender framework that supports consistent vendor comparisons and can be adapted for future procurements.

 

Reduced Project Timeline 

Delivering the tender earlier than projected enabled Channel 4 to move swiftly into solution selection and implementation - staying ahead of market pressures.

 

Stakeholder Alignment 

Collaborative steering ensured full buy-in across Product, Technology, and other teams, strengthening the foundation for successful vendor relationships.

 

Optimised Costs 

The accelerated process and focused documentation efforts resulted in notable cost savings, allowing Channel 4 to reinvest resources into other strategic initiatives.

 

Future-Ready OTT Platform 

By dedicating attention to both product and technology, Channel 4 is now primed for it's future with a modern, scalable OTT service that can grow with evolving viewer demands.

 

Conclusion

With Spicy Mango’s support, Channel 4 condensed the entire project timeline by months, saving both time and money while ensuring all stakeholders remained actively engaged. Channel 4’s tender process demonstrates the impact of a collaborative, well-structured approach to product and technology procurement. By combining Channel 4’s deep operational insights with Spicy Mango’s proven frameworks and reference materials, the organisation is now set to deploy a forward-looking OTT platform that meets viewers’ high expectations and stands strong in a competitive market.


About Spicy Mango

Spicy Mango is a specialist technology consultancy that partners with media, broadcasting, and OTT providers to accelerate product and platform transformations. With deep domain expertise and a track record of successful project delivery, we help our clients simplify complex challenges - whether it’s modernising legacy systems, optimising workflows, or integrating cutting-edge solutions. Guided by a collaborative ethos, Spicy Mango leverages proven frameworks and reference materials to streamline procurement, reduce costs, and drive measurable outcomes. We pride ourselves on delivering future-ready platforms that empower clients to innovate, scale, and delight audiences in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Overview 

Channel 4, one of the UK’s leading public service broadcasters, recognised the need to refresh its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Eager to streamline vendor selection across both product and technology, Channel 4 sought a structured and efficient approach to running a tender process. They chose Spicy Mango not only for our strategic expertise but also for our extensive reference materials - enabling the project to realise time and cost savings versus a blank canvas approach.


About Channel 4

Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster established in 1982. Renowned for its diverse and often ground-breaking programming, Channel 4’s remit is to challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and offer an alternative voice in UK broadcasting. Owned by the Channel Four Television Corporation, it invests heavily in original productions across a range of platforms - from linear TV to digital streaming - ensuring it remains a relevant and engaging presence in the ever-evolving media landscape.

 

The Challenge 

Ageing Technology Estate 

Channel 4’s existing systems required significant investment to develop and maintain, limiting the broadcaster’s ability to modernise and adapt quickly. 

Limited Use of Market Innovation 

While cutting-edge OTT technologies were readily available, Channel 4 needed a more structured approach to discover, evaluate, and adopt these external solutions effectively. 

Time-to-Market Pressures 

The organisation’s ability to roll out new features swiftly was compromised, hampering efforts to keep pace with changing viewer expectations and dynamic market conditions. 

Balancing Platform Investment vs. Operating Costs

Channel 4 needed to carefully manage the overall cost of developing and running its product and technology platform, ensuring that each new investment delivered clear value without overstretching resources or inflating ongoing expenses.


What consumers expect of OTT platforms

Learn

Understand their content tastes: Consumers want personalised recommendations that reflect their unique interests and past viewing habits, so they can quickly discover new shows and films.

Proactive content guidance: OTT providers should use AI to help users easily navigate a vast content library, suggesting programmes or films that best match their mood, preferred genres, or trending topics.

Buy

Seamless subscription experience: Customers expect an effortless sign-up process, perhaps with one-click registration or the ability to subscribe through existing digital wallets or app-store accounts.

Relevant offers and bundles: Viewers appreciate special promotions or package deals based on their preferences or viewing history, driving higher perceived value from the OTT platform.

Get

Instant access and setup: Once a subscription is purchased, consumers want immediate access to content across all supported devices—without complicated logins or lengthy configurations.

Predictive onboarding: AI-driven tutorials or setup processes can suggest device optimisations, parental controls, or default language/audio settings tailored to the user’s profile, ensuring a smooth start.

Use

Adaptive streaming quality: If service issues arise—such as bandwidth constraints—consumers expect proactive notifications and automatic adjustments in streaming quality to avoid buffering or downtime.

Personalised content journeys: OTT services should analyse viewing patterns to recommend what to watch next, provide notifications when anticipated shows release new episodes, and offer curated playlists to keep engagement high.

Pay

Flexible payment and subscription options: Users appreciate dynamic pricing models (e.g., pay-as-you-go, tiered subscriptions, or bundled offers) that adapt to their budget or viewing habits.

Proactive account management: Advanced AI can identify when viewers might be overspending or under-utilising specific channels or features, then suggest cost-saving options or alternative plans to match actual usage.

Support

Real-time, context-aware assistance: When technical issues occur—such as app crashes or playback errors—consumers expect instantaneous, channel-appropriate help, be it live chat, in-app guidance, or voice support.

Predictive care and sentiment analysis: AI-enabled systems should detect user frustration (e.g., repeated buffering, error messages) and offer rapid solutions or compensation, reinforcing trust and loyalty.

 

Our Collaborative Approach 

Establishing the Tender Strategy 

Working closely with Channel 4’s internal teams, Spicy Mango led a series of workshops to define priorities and success criteria for the tender:

Joint Prioritisation: We guided Channel 4 through aligning product, commercial, and technical goals into a single cohesive vision.

Clear Scope Definition: By leveraging our proven reference materials, we were able to reduce the time needed to document requirements, significantly shortening the project timeline.

 

Crafting a Structured RFP Pack 

To facilitate consistent evaluation, we collaborated with Channel 4 to create a comprehensive yet concise RFP pack:

Consistent Vendor Assessment: A well-defined set of functional and technical requirements enabled vendors to submit responses in a standardised format.

Transparent Evaluation Criteria: Scoring matrices - covering everything from technology stack compatibility to commercial viability - ensured an equitable assessment.

Streamlined Documentation: Our prior tender experience and templates helped Channel 4 quickly pull together a best-in-class RFP pack, substantially reducing drafting and review cycles.

 

Running the Tender Process 

Rather than simply handing over documentation, Spicy Mango actively steered Channel 4’s teams through the process:

Project Governance: Joint governance structures that kept the process on track, with frequent checkpoints for stakeholder feedback.

Comparative Analysis: Once proposals were received, we supported Channel 4 in interpreting and comparing responses, using our structured tools to expedite decision-making.

 

Timeline Acceleration 

By applying our established frameworks, Spicy Mango enabled Channel 4 to conclude the requirements and evaluation process faster than originally planned:

Faster Requirement Collation: Our ready-made materials and proven methodologies removed the need for excessive back-and-forth, allowing Channel 4 teams to focus on priority decisions.

Efficient Stakeholder Alignment: Clear documentation and transparent scoring simplified cross-departmental discussions, reducing the risk of delays.

Significant Cost Savings: Shortening the project duration not only saved time but also reduced additional resourcing costs and potential overlap with other Channel 4 initiatives.

 

Key Outcomes

Comprehensive RFP Pack 

Channel 4 now was provided a robust, easy-to-reference tender framework that supports consistent vendor comparisons and can be adapted for future procurements.

 

Reduced Project Timeline 

Delivering the tender earlier than projected enabled Channel 4 to move swiftly into solution selection and implementation - staying ahead of market pressures.

 

Stakeholder Alignment 

Collaborative steering ensured full buy-in across Product, Technology, and other teams, strengthening the foundation for successful vendor relationships.

 

Optimised Costs 

The accelerated process and focused documentation efforts resulted in notable cost savings, allowing Channel 4 to reinvest resources into other strategic initiatives.

 

Future-Ready OTT Platform 

By dedicating attention to both product and technology, Channel 4 is now primed for it's future with a modern, scalable OTT service that can grow with evolving viewer demands.

 

Conclusion

With Spicy Mango’s support, Channel 4 condensed the entire project timeline by months, saving both time and money while ensuring all stakeholders remained actively engaged. Channel 4’s tender process demonstrates the impact of a collaborative, well-structured approach to product and technology procurement. By combining Channel 4’s deep operational insights with Spicy Mango’s proven frameworks and reference materials, the organisation is now set to deploy a forward-looking OTT platform that meets viewers’ high expectations and stands strong in a competitive market.


About Spicy Mango

Spicy Mango is a specialist technology consultancy that partners with media, broadcasting, and OTT providers to accelerate product and platform transformations. With deep domain expertise and a track record of successful project delivery, we help our clients simplify complex challenges - whether it’s modernising legacy systems, optimising workflows, or integrating cutting-edge solutions. Guided by a collaborative ethos, Spicy Mango leverages proven frameworks and reference materials to streamline procurement, reduce costs, and drive measurable outcomes. We pride ourselves on delivering future-ready platforms that empower clients to innovate, scale, and delight audiences in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

To find out more about anything you've read here, or to learn how Spicy Mango could help, drop us a note at hello@spicymango.co.uk , give us a call, or send us a message using our contact form and we'll be in touch.

To find out more about anything you've read here, or to learn how Spicy Mango could help, drop us a note at hello@spicymango.co.uk , give us a call, or send us a message using our contact form and we'll be in touch.

To find out more about anything you've read here, or to learn how Spicy Mango could help, drop us a note at hello@spicymango.co.uk , give us a call, or send us a message using our contact form and we'll be in touch.

To find out more about anything you've read here, or to learn how Spicy Mango could help, drop us a note at hello@spicymango.co.uk , give us a call, or send us a message using our contact form and we'll be in touch.

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Contact us - we don't bite

Drop us an email at hello@spicymango.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)844 848 0441 or fill out the contact form below for a friendly chat.

We don’t share your personal details with anyone

Get in touch

Contact us - we don't bite

Drop us an email at hello@spicymango.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)844 848 0441 or fill out the contact form below for a friendly chat.

We don’t share your personal details with anyone

Get in touch

Contact us - we don't bite

Drop us an email at hello@spicymango.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)844 848 0441 or fill out the contact form below for a friendly chat.

We don’t share your personal details with anyone

Get in touch

Contact us - we don't bite

Drop us an email at hello@spicymango.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)844 848 0441 or fill out the contact form below for a friendly chat.

We don’t share your personal details with anyone