UK Announces Plans To Sell Broadcaster Channel 4

After 39 years in existence, the British government has announced plans to sell Channel 4.

The channel was set up to be funded by advertising and with a remit to provide challenging and distinctive programming for audiences previously under-served by traditional broadcasters.

Rather than making its own programmes, Channel 4 commissioned them from new production companies, helping establish Britain’s successful independent TV production sector.

Channel 4 however has questioned the government’s reasoning for the intended sale, saying it was financially in “rude health” and fulfilling its mandate but the government said Channel 4 was vulnerable to unstable advertising markets, and a move into private ownership with a changed remit could help safeguard its future.

Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said Britain’s broadcasting rules dated to the 20th century analogue age.

“The time has come to look at how we can unleash the potential of our public service broadcasters while also making sure viewers and listeners consuming content on new formats are served by a fair and well-functioning system,” Dowden said.

He is an advocate for alternative ownership model, but one where Channel 4 kept its public service remit “may be better for the broadcaster, and better for the country”.

Channel 4 Chief Executive Alex Mahon said the broadcaster’s ethos would be threatened by a sale.

Enders Analysis said it believed it would be difficult for Channel 4 to maintain its remit – for example to champion unheard voices and take bold creative risks – with a new buyer.