10/01/2023
The Secretary of State for Culture has written to the Prime Minister to recommend that the government abandons previous proposals to privatise Channel Four Television, the network known for innovation, progressive views and which is often considered to be “our” station. Since its launch in November 1982, Channel Four and its subsidiary networks like Film 4, have not cost the taxpayers anything because they are financed through advertising, but are owned for the public by an independent corporation. Nadine Dorries, the far right wing Culture Secretary under the Liz Truss government, had tried to propose privatising the Channel. But her successor, Michelle Donelan disagrees. Whilst the government have not confirmed any definite plans on Channel Four, Labour were quick to name the Conservative Party as fanatical on wanting revenge on Channel Four for its supposed left wing leanings. Labour's shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell said: "The Conservatives' vendetta against Channel 4 was always wrong for Britain, growth in our creative economy, and a complete waste of everyone's time." Channel Four and similar networks like the Welsh language station S4C have stimulated independent film making and production in the UK. PACT, a group representing independent film makers, said "Channel 4 has a unique position in the broadcasting ecosystem. Its commissioning model has supported British production companies from its inception, providing jobs for thousands of people across the UK. Moving to private ownership would have endangered this”.
