Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Channel 5 is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The MP seeks an assessment on the channel's role in public service broadcasting.
What recent assessment her Department has made of the contribution of Channel 5 to public service broadcasting?
I congratulate Channel 5 on its 25th anniversary and note its important role in providing new programming, including a unique focus on children's television. It has invested significantly in the regions, making it a levelling-up broadcaster.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for a recent departmental assessment but received praise and general statements about Channel 5's contribution without specific details or statistics.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Channel 5 is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The MP seeks to celebrate the channel's current and past teams.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in celebrating Channel 5's team who had the imagination and confidence to do that then, and the current team who continue to bring understandable, relevant, and relatable news to people in all parts of the UK today?
I will—I congratulate and applaud them. I note that one fifth of all its commissioning spending goes to smaller independent production companies, a larger spend than the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. It also exceeds its Ofcom quota every year.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for celebration but received praise along with some statistics about commissioning spending and regional focus.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government have been playing games with the future of public sector broadcasting. The MP seeks assurance that any future ownership decision will protect independent journalism at Channel 4.
While the Government have been playing games with the future of the BBC and Channel 4—and we welcome the extra funding for the World Service—their journalists have risked their lives to report the facts on the front line in Ukraine. Will the Secretary of State give an assurance that any future ownership decisions that she makes on Channel 4 will ensure that its in-depth, independent journalism will be protected beyond 2022?
A decision has not yet been reached on the future of Channel 4. Discussions are still taking place and no decision has been made regarding news broadcasting, the future, and public service broadcasting remit to the nation.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for an assurance but received a statement that no decision had yet been reached without providing concrete commitments or timeline.
Response accuracy