Channel 4 Privatisation Television Production Industry 2022-11-23
2022-11-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is concern about the potential effects of privatising Channel 4 on the television production industry in Wales.
Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of Channel 4 privatisation on the television production industry in Wales.
The Government are carefully considering the business case for the sale of Channel 4. Whatever the outcome, the quality of Wales's independent television production sector is unparalleled and will continue to thrive.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if there have been recent discussions regarding the impact of privatisation on Welsh TV production.
Acknowledged The Importance But Did Not Address Specific Ask
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Channel 4 spends more on production outside London than any other company, raising concerns about a loss of investment for Wales if the channel is privatised.
Welcomes the Minister and asks if reducing funding to Welsh broadcast and television sectors by privatising Channel 4 would be madness, especially considering apparent Prime Minister's U-turn on the decision.
The independent television production sector in Wales is thriving, with at least 50 organisations. The important thing is that Channel 4 can survive in a new landscape, with streaming and competition from abroad.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if reducing funding would be madness or welcome PM's U-turn.
Acknowledged The Importance Of Production Sector But Avoided Addressing Privatisation Specifics
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Channel 4's 4Skills programme has reached over 100,000 people since 2015.
Welcomes the Minister and asks how the Government will ensure that Channel 4's training programme, 4Skills, remains accessible for young people after potential privatisation.
The hon. Lady raises a very important point, and it will be at the forefront of the Government's considerations when they look at the business case and implications of Channel 10 privatisation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to ensuring continuity of 4Skills programme.
Acknowledged Importance But Did Not Provide Specifics On Commitments
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Production companies are working across Wales, including Cardiff, Aberystwyth.
Asks the Minister to praise work of production companies in Wales and if he is aware that some companies feel frustrated with Channel 4's lack of access for them.
Those considerations will need to be a subject of the review. The important thing is that the long list of productions from Wales that we all know well, must continue.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address frustrations with access to Channel 4 explicitly.
Acknowledged The Need For Review But Avoided Addressing Specific Frustrations
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Media City in Greater Manchester is expanding, creating success for the TV industry there.
Welcomes the appointment of the Minister and asks if he has recent assessments of the television production industry in Wales and compares it to the expansion of Media City in Greater Manchester.
My hon. Friend will know much more about that issue than me, but Manchester is near to north Wales, and the success of Manchester influences media performance within north Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide an assessment or comparison with Greater Manchester's Media City.
Directly Changed Subject Without Addressing Question About Industry Assessments
Response accuracy