Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warns that “resting is not an option” on Channel 4, following the UK Government’s talks on the privatization of broadcasters.
In his speech to the Royal Television Society Convention on Wednesday, Dauden is expected to outline how the channel can continue to thrive, even if it is sold.
The government is discussing plans to privatize channels that could be sold to private buyers.
Founded in 1982, the channel is now owned by the UK Government and funded by advertising.
In his speech, Dauden states that Channel 4 is “one of the country’s greatest assets.”
“One of the clear ways to ensure the prosperity of UK broadcasters is to put them in the right financial position to compete and succeed for decades to come, no matter what the future of broadcast.
“Currently, Channel 4 is in a stable position, but I think too many people are sticking to the current situation of Channel 4. I’m more interested in its long-term future.
“If you want Channel 4 to grow, you’ll need cash right away at some point. Without it, Channel 4 wouldn’t have the money to invest in technology or programming, and wouldn’t be able to compete with the streaming giants. “
He would say that the money “can be raised behind taxpayers or from private investment.”
The government can “unleash that coveted investment,” he adds, “while protecting the part of Channel 4 that none of us want to lose.”
Channel 4 ownership talks ended on Tuesday.
Dauden also praised Channel 4’s Paralympic coverage and broadcast of Emma Raducanu’s victory at the US Open for providing a “national moment.”
“Channel 4 with protected money transfers and deeper pockets could bring even more in the future,” he adds.
“If people disagree, this is my challenge to them. Please tell us how you intend to protect Channel 4 and the broader creative industries in a more equitable and sustainable way.
“Standing still is not an option. In fact, it will be self-harm.”
On Tuesday, Channel 4 warned that there was “no evidence” that privatization could benefit UK viewers and the economy and instead “harm them.”
In the statement, Channel 4 states: It can harm the UK economy, and certainly them. “
The channel states: “Continuous public ownership of Channel 4 not only overcomes the challenges of competition with viewers correctly identified by the government, but also creates the right conditions to ensure that UK public broadcasting continues to thrive. Suggests. “
There was also concern that moving Channel 4 to private ownership could “reduce the diversity and quality of content for UK viewers.”
Tom Houghton
