As you might be aware, Channel 4 is entirely commercially funded, but it has been publicly owned since it began broadcasting in 1982. The main reason it was set up as a publicly owned, commercially run station was to provide greater choice.
Four decades later, however, the broadcasting landscape is unrecognisable. That is why I believe it is timely that a future ownership model (whereby Channel 4 keeps its public service remit) is considered to ensure more content, more jobs, and a more sustainable future for the broadcaster.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has now launched a public consultation on the future ownership of Channel 4 as part of the Government’s review of public service broadcasting. The consultation will consider both the ownership and remit of Channel 4, ensuring its future success and sustainability. For further information on the consultation, which will close on 14 September 2021, and guidance on how to respond, please search: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-change-of-ownership-of-channel-4-television-corporation
I do encourage people to respond with your concerns so that they can be considered.
I have also been assured that the review will come ahead of the broadcasting white paper, due to be published in the autumn. The white paper will consider the future of the country’s broadcasting landscape with the aim of making sure it serves listeners and viewers on all platforms and across the entire UK.
I will, however, happily raise my constituents' concerns with my Ministerial colleagues in the Department for Digital, Culture and Media so that they are aware of the strength of feeling on this.