Channel 4 Privatisation 2022-10-12
2022-10-12
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The television production industry in Scotland is concerned about the potential impact of Channel 4's privatisation. The independent production companies rely on funding from Channel 4, which currently spends £20 million annually on Scottish productions.
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of Channel 4 privatisation on the television production industry in Scotland?
I can assure the hon. Gentleman that my Cabinet colleagues and I are committed to ensuring the further success of Channel 4. The Government are determined to support the incredible TV production industry in Scotland, and we believe that in the long run the UK production industry will benefit from a sustainable Channel 4.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific impact on Scottish independent producers was not addressed with concrete figures or commitments.
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Analysis from Ernst & Young suggests that Channel 4's privatisation could result in a loss of £1 billion to the UK's nations and regions, affecting Scotland's creative economy. Currently, Channel 4 spends about £20 million annually on Scottish productions, supporting around 400 jobs.
Channel 4 is a key commissioner for Scottish independent production companies. It spends about £20 million a year on Scottish productions, supporting about 400 jobs in Scotland. Analysis from Ernst & Young says that privatisation could result in £1 billion being lost from the UK's nations and regions, so for the sake of Scotland's creative economy, will the Secretary of State make representations to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to follow the evidence and keep Channel 4 in public hands?
I have had discussions with the Culture Secretary and the previous Culture Secretary. The Government's position is that we are looking again at the sale of Channel 4, and we will have further details in due course. We want Channel 4 to flourish, and we want independent production companies to flourish and thrive, because we recognise that we live in a challenging and changing media landscape.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not commit to making specific representations or following the evidence provided by Ernst & Young.
We Are Looking Again
In Due Course
Response accuracy