Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Channel 4 Privatisation: Television Production Industry

Wednesday 23 November 2022 · 5 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government are carefully considering the business case for selling Channel 4.
  • Independent television production sector in Wales is thriving with over 50 organisations.
  • Considerations regarding Channel 4's access and support for production companies will be part of the review.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Wales Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There is concern about the potential effects of privatising Channel 4 on the television production industry in Wales.

Question

Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of Channel 4 privatisation on the television production industry in Wales.

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm if there have been recent discussions regarding the impact of privatisation on Welsh TV production.

How: Acknowledged The Importance But Did Not Address Specific Ask

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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.

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm if reducing funding would be madness or welcome PM's U-turn.

How: Acknowledged The Importance Of Production Sector But Avoided Addressing Privatisation Specifics

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Q3 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Channel 4's 4Skills programme has reached over 100,000 people since 2015.

Question

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.

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to ensuring continuity of 4Skills programme.

How: Acknowledged Importance But Did Not Provide Specifics On Commitments

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Q4 Michael Fabricant Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Production companies are working across Wales, including Cardiff, Aberystwyth.

Question

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.

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address frustrations with access to Channel 4 explicitly.

How: Acknowledged The Need For Review But Avoided Addressing Specific Frustrations

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Q5 William Wragg Con
Wales Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Media City in Greater Manchester is expanding, creating success for the TV industry there.

Question

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.

Answer from James Davies

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.

Not addressed: Did not provide an assessment or comparison with Greater Manchester's Media City.

How: Directly Changed Subject Without Addressing Question About Industry Assessments

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