Channel 4 success is built on the back of current ownership model

Responding to reports that the Government is to consider privatising Channel 4, head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“Channel 4 is a hugely successful public service broadcaster, consistently pushing the boundaries of entertainment and thought provoking content for British audiences. This success is built on the back of the current model which supports a thriving independent production sector and allows commissioners a degree of risk and creativity, of which the viewing public reap the benefits.   

“It cannot be ignored that talk of privatisation is happening in parallel with a major review into the future of public service broadcasting, including Channel 4, ITV and the BBC. This is a hugely important review which will have major consequences on the UK broadcast landscape, and it is paramount that the government’s recommendations are not influenced by a desire to make as much profit as possible from the sale of Channel 4.”