Andy Duncan was appointed chief executive of Channel 4 in 2004

The move, announced by chief executive Andy Duncan, follows Ofcom's report into the broadcaster's finances, which was published last week.

It called on Channel 4 to improve how it measures its contribution to public service broadcasting, including news, current affairs and educational output.

Mr Duncan told Westminster Media Forum "delivering public purposes" was Channel 4's "whole reason for being".

He added that Ofcom's financial review confirmed the channel was delivering against its public service remit.

Digital age

Mr Duncan said: "Now our efforts must focus on ensuring we don't ever reach the position where we have to stop fulfilling our remit because of financial pressures."

Channel 4's review will be led by Mr Duncan, and overseen by chairman Luke Johnson and the Channel 4 board.

The initial internal review will last several months.

It will involve senior managers examining how its remit should develop in the digital age, while a second phase will involve discussions with groups including Ofcom, the government, viewers, producers and advertisers.

Mr Johnson said the outcome of the review would be "a bold new vision for Channel 4's public service contribution in a digital world".