Government planning to Sell Channel 4

[technologist]

Thinking out of the box would the BBCs commercial arm, (insert one of many names here) be able to buy channel 4; run at arm's length from the LF funded BBC ?! Giving it a ambitious global reach and a higher profile.

And cause a CMA (and OFCOM ) investigation ….
We all know what the CC did to kill the Kangaroo…..
and this is worse ?

But back on topic …does the UK need 5 UK wide PSBs ?
If fewer which one or two goes ??
Does a sale of Ch4 make a difference to this ?,

[Brekkie]

C4 would remain a PSB in private ownership just as ITV and C5 are. As much as some would like us to believe being a PSB is a bit of a millstone, it's also a massive asset and C4 would almost certainly be worth more as a PSB than if it's not. And losing the channel 4 slot wouldn't be ideal for any new owner of "Channel 4".


It being run by the commercial arm of the BBC is an interesting thought. Don't think that's in the interests of C4 at all but perhaps be the starting point in commercialising the BBC, with the government using that prospect as a way to move certain content and responsibilities over from the licence fee funded PSB to the commercially funded PSB until we get to a point where the "BBC" as an ad-free service only existed as either a private entity or a streamlined PSB with very limited focus.

[Cassia Tuna]

David Attenborough accuses ministers of ‘short-sighted’ attack on TV networks

Sir David Attenborough has warned that the government is pursuing “short-sighted political and financial attacks” on the UK’s television networks, as ministers prepare to announce plans to privatise Channel 4.

The wildlife broadcaster has put his name to a campaign saying that ministers risk destroying a network of editorially independent television channels that currently promote “quality, diversity, innovation, respectful debate and trust”.

Attenborough, once polled as the most trusted man in Britain, signed an open letter stating that the UK’s “unique” system of public service television channels – which are heavily regulated but operate with independence from government – is now in danger.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...v-networks

[Bluecortina]

C4 would remain a PSB in private ownership just as ITV and C5 are. As much as some would like us to believe being a PSB is a bit of a millstone, it's also a massive asset and C4 would almost certainly be worth more as a PSB than if it's not. And losing the channel 4 slot wouldn't be ideal for any new owner of "Channel 4".


It being run by the commercial arm of the BBC is an interesting thought. Don't think that's in the interests of C4 at all but perhaps be the starting point in commercialising the BBC, with the government using that prospect as a way to move certain content and responsibilities over from the licence fee funded PSB to the commercially funded PSB until we get to a point where the "BBC" as an ad-free service only existed as either a private entity or a streamlined PSB with very limited focus.

ITV isn’t privately owned, ITV plc is a public company as is STV and you are welcome to buy shares in either if you so wish.

[Brekkie]

Report on BBC News using an "Altogether Different" promo I've not seen before and can't find online. John Whittingdale speaking earlier on radio trying to sell the consultation as looking at what is in the best interests of C4.

[Roger Darthwell]

So given that now Channel 4 will be privatised, who do you think is going to buy it?

[technologist]

Radio four media show
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000x4wl
Interview with Alex Mahon …

No mention of “the uks largest catch up service”
Or that ch 4 is second largest uk maker if films for theatric release
But does point out that it has no IPR …
Which a commercial buyer would need to change

[The_IT_Technician]

Thinking out of the box would the BBCs commercial arm, (insert one of many names here) be able to buy channel 4; run at arm's length from the LF funded BBC ?! Giving it a ambitious global reach and a higher profile.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...e-with-bbc

[Brekkie]

Not convinced he's made the argument there.

Of the potential British owners I'd say BT would probably be the best fit but given they seem to want a route out of BT Sport I suspect that's a non-starter.

[gottago]

Phil always gets wheeled out to be a talking head whenever one of these subject comes up but I don't think he's got a particularly great understanding of modern broadcasting at all.

[Brekkie]

A better insight from C4's Editor at Large Dorothy Byrne.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...fits-owner

Not 100% a private buyer coming in would be axing C4 News and the Paralympic coverage. Firstly I think they'd make a point of keeping some key PSB commitments from the start and secondly they're likely to understand brand value too. Also if you look at the C5 schedule there is quite a bit of it you could argue a PSB wouldn't do if in private hands, but of course they do.

[XIII]

A better insight from C4's Editor at Large Dorothy Byrne.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...fits-owner

Not 100% a private buyer coming in would be axing C4 News and the Paralympic coverage. Firstly I think they'd make a point of keeping some key PSB commitments from the start and secondly they're likely to understand brand value too. Also if you look at the C5 schedule there is quite a bit of it you could argue a PSB wouldn't do if in private hands, but of course they do.

Channel 4 News would most certainly be kept so not sure why Dorothy is even suggesting that it'll be axed under private ownership

[James Martin]

Can't see the Paralympic coverage going, I would have said it rates exceptionally well.

[johnnyboy]

The BBC and Channel 4 are national gems (despite their faults) and a major source of soft power for our country around the world.

There have been many angry howls since the EU seemed to threaten that it might choose to limit British programming on European linear and streaming services because our continental cousins like and appreciate our shows.

British TV is shown around the world and, while ITV make a great job of exporting content and formats too, so does the Beeb.

Same with our art and our music.

Regardless of people's feelings on Brexit, our cultural sector sells our country around the world - why f**k with it???

There is plenty I don't like about either but there is plenty I absolutely love about the BBC and Channel 4.

A national broadcaster will never please everyone all of the time but we're better for having them than not having them.

[James Martin]

My take on this is that C4 has been too cowardly with its remit for too long. There's been a decline ever since Michael Jackson came in and it all became about lifestyle shows etc. They need to get back to the stuff that they made their name with 30-40 years ago. They need to experiment more.