TAC’s response to news reports on Channel 4 privatisation

5 January 2023

Responding to the news that Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan had advised against privatising Channel 4, Dyfrig Davies, TAC Chair said:

“While this news has yet to be officially confirmed, TAC would welcome it if the UK Government did indeed decide not to privatise Channel 4 as we have campaigned hard against this move.  We would also welcome Channel 4’s commitments to the nations and regions and also to its spend on training being increased.

However if it were to also be the case, as reported, that Channel 4’s publisher-broadcaster model was to be relaxed, this would cause concern to the independent production sector, as it would reduce the opportunity for it to make programmes for the broadcaster.  This could create economic uncertainty for some companies in the sector, especially smaller companies.

We will be seeking discussions with both Channel 4 and the UK Government on this matter in the hope that this aspect can be considered further before it goes into legislation.”

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