Channel 4 To Remain Publicly Owned

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Michelle Donelan has decided not to privatise Channel 4 after reviewing the business case for its sale.

The broadcaster will remain in public ownership but with greater commercial flexibility, increased investment in skills and jobs across the UK as well as new production arrangements to support its long-term sustainability and growth.

The government, following discussions with Channel 4 and the independent production sector, have confirmed an ambitious package of measures as an alternative to a sale. This includes reforms via the Media Bill which will eventually allow Channel 4 to make and own some of its content and a new statutory duty on its board members to protect the broadcaster’s long-term financial sustainability. Channel 4 has also committed to increasing roles outside London and providing more opportunities for people from across the UK to gain experience in the sector as part of this package.

Like all UK broadcasters, Channel 4 is currently facing unprecedented competition for viewers, programmes and talent in an era of wealthy, global streaming platforms. The DCMS Secretary of State has decided that pursuing a sale is not the best option to ease the challenges facing Channel 4 nor to support growth in the UK’s creative economy, especially the independent production sector. However, doing nothing also carries risks and the government believes change is necessary to ensure the corporation can thrive now and long into the future in a rapidly changing media landscape.

The package announced, finalised after listening to the views of Channel 4 and the wider broadcasting and independent production industries, will ensure the broadcaster remains focused on sustainability and has new opportunities to grow while serving audiences in the decades to come with high-quality, innovative and distinctive content.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Michelle Donelan said: "Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries. After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.

"This announcement will bring huge opportunities across the UK with Channel 4’s commitment to double their skills investment to £10 million and double the number of jobs outside of London. The package will also safeguard the future of our world leading independent production sector. We will work closely with them to add new protections such as increasing the amount of content C4C must commission from independent producers."