House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Channel Four Television Corporation Annual Report and Financial Statements 2021
13 July 2022 · Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Proposed by Nadine Dorries Con Mid Bedfordshire
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Government plans to privatize Channel Four Television Corporation while ensuring it continues to fulfill its public service broadcasting obligations.
- The privatization will provide C4C with greater financial flexibility and opportunities to produce and own content.
- This reform aims to secure C4C's long-term sustainability while maintaining its commitment to regional and independent production.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the Government's plans to privatize Channel Four Television Corporation (C4C) while maintaining its public service broadcasting remit.
Action requested
The Government is moving ahead with plans to privatize C4C as part of a package of reforms, allowing it greater access to capital and the option to make and own content. This change aims to protect and support C4C's long-term sustainable future while preserving its commitment to regional spending and independent production.
Key facts
- The 2021 annual report shows strong results for C4C with growth in digital revenue.
- The Government will remove the publisher-broadcaster restriction to enable C4C to diversify revenue streams.
- A potential sale could accelerate C4C’s impact outside London.
- In 2020, C4C spent 19.3% of its production spend in Northern England compared to ITV's 30.4%.