Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Channel 4 Privatisation

Wednesday 12 October 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jeff Smith asked about the impact of Channel 4 privatisation on the Scottish television production industry.
  • The Minister stated that Cabinet colleagues and he are committed to the success of Channel 4 and supporting the UK production industry.
  • Analysis suggests that privatisation could result in 1 billion being lost from the UK's nations and regions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Scotland Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of Channel 4 privatisation on the television production industry in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact on Scottish independent producers was not addressed with concrete figures or commitments.

How: We Are Committed To

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Q2 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Scotland Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Alister Jack

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not commit to making specific representations or following the evidence provided by Ernst & Young.

How: We Are Looking Again, In Due Course

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