The Conservative Government plans to push ahead with privatising Channel 4, despite concerns from the broadcaster that Downing Street is ignoring "public interest concerns which have been raised".
Channel 4 is owned by the state but funded commercially. It was set up in 1982 as an alternative to BBC and ITV, with a remit to give a platform to unheard voices and take creative risks. Channel 4 receives no support from the taxpayer.
The Government has been consulting on selling Channel 4, citing concerns about its survival as streaming grows more popular. Channel 4 has its own streaming service, All 4, which is free to access and hosts adverts, which was first launched in 2006 under the name "4OD".
