Stock image of Channel 4 sign
(Picture: PA Wire)The Government has said it will proceed with plans to privatise Channel 4, the broadcaster said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 said it was “disappointed” with the decision.
Ministers think Government ownership of Channel 4 is “holding it back” and that privatising the broadcaster would “remove its straitjacket”, a Government source has told the PA news agency.
Channel 4’s spokesperson said it would “continue to engage” with the Government on the process to “ensure that Channel 4 continues to play its unique part in Britain’s creative ecology and national life”.
The statement in full said: “With over 60,000 submissions to the Government’s public consultation, it is disappointing that today’s announcement has been made without formally recognising the significant public interest concerns which have been raised.
“Channel 4 has engaged in good faith with the Government throughout the consultation process, demonstrating how it can continue to commission much-loved programmes from the independent sector across the UK that represent and celebrate every aspect of British life as well as increase its contribution to society, while maintaining ownership by the public.
“Recently, Channel 4 presented DCMS with a real alternative to privatisation that would safeguard its future financial stability, allowing it to do significantly more for the British public, the creative industries and the economy, particularly outside London. This is particularly important given that the organisation is only two years into a significant commitment to drive up its impact in the UK’s Nations and Regions.
“Channel 4 remains legally committed to its unique public-service remit. The focus for the organisation will be on how we can ensure we deliver the remit to both our viewers and the British creative economy across the whole of the UK.
“The proposal to privatise Channel 4 will require a lengthy legislative process and political debate. We will of course continue to engage with DCMS, Government and Parliament, and do everything we can to ensure that Channel 4 continues to play its unique part in Britain’s creative ecology and national life.”
Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon said her priority was to “look after all of you and the wonderful Channel 4 spirit” in an internal email to staff, seen by the PA news agency.
