Channel 4 chair hits back at ‘very harmful’ privatisation plans July 20, 2021 Channel 4’s chairman has hit back at the government’s plans to privatise the broadcaster, saying such a step would be “very harmful” to viewers and risk thousands of jobs. Last month it emerged that the government is preparing a consultation into the privatisation of the broadcaster. But in a letter to culture secretary Oliver Dowden, [...]
Channel 4 privatisation risks pulling the plug on UK production June 23, 2021 When Thatcher’s government set up Channel 4 back in 1982 as the boisterous youth-focused challenger to the BBC behemoth, it was a radical shake-up of Britain’s fusty broadcasting landscape. Now, almost four decades later, that same landscape is unrecognisable, its skyline dominated by the giants of the internet and streaming age. It’s in this context [...]
UK targets Netflix and Channel 4 with new streaming rules June 23, 2021 The government is plotting an overhaul of the UK broadcasting landscape in a move that could place tightened regulations on US streaming giants such as Netflix. Ministers will carry out a review of rules for video on-demand platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus in an effort to protect viewers and boost public [...]
David Attenborough calls for govt to stop ‘short-sighted’ attack on broadcasting June 22, 2021 The British broadcaster has put his name to a campaign accusing the government of “short-sighted political and financial attacks” on the UK’s television networks. Sir David Attenborough is the latest media star to support the British Broadcasting Challenge campaign, as the government mulls the privatisation of Channel 4. The 95-year-old presenter today signed the campaign’s [...]
Channel 4 boss warns of ‘irreversible’ privatisation risk June 22, 2021 The chief executive of Channel 4 has warned against any “irreversible” decision to privatise the broadcaster, saying it could have a damaging impact on the wider sector. Channel 4 has come under increasing pressure from ministers as they prepare to launch a consultation into a potential sale. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has previously said that [...]
Government mulls privatisation of Channel 4 next year June 17, 2021 The government could sell Channel 4 as early as next year, as the UK culture secretary seeks the “best model” for the broadcaster. Ministers are planning to launch a consultation within weeks to explore what is next for the 39-year-old company, the Financial Times reports this evening. Youth-oriented Channel 4 is owned by the government [...]
UK to roll out new TV streaming rules in boost for broadcasters June 14, 2021 The government is said to be preparing new rules that would force tech firms such as Amazon and Samsung to give greater prominence to public broadcasters. Legislation being finalised by Whitehall officials will guarantee that public service broadcasters (PSB) such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are easy to access on smart TVs, the [...]
Screenshot: Is Channel 4 facing a Great British Sell-Off? June 4, 2021 This week **Media Moment of the Week: Baby Musk (Doo, Doo, Doo, Doo, Doo, Doo) **Is Channel 4 facing a Great British Sell-Off? **Etsy dials into Gen Z fashion Media Moment of the Week: Baby Musk (Doo, Doo, Doo, Doo, Doo, Doo) It’s fair to say Elon Musk has a bit of a reputation for [...]
Channel 4 privatisation plans heat up amid media deal frenzy June 1, 2021 Ministers have taken another step forward in plans to explore a potential sale of Channel 4 as the growing popularity of streaming sparks a frenzy of major media dealmaking. The state-owned broadcaster has reportedly been added to a list of assets that could be sold as the Treasury looks to shore up the country’s finances [...]
Saturday Sitdown: Public media played key role during Covid, says STV boss May 22, 2021 The UK’s public service broadcasters played a vital role during the Covid-19 pandemic and should be protected, the chief executive of STV has said. In an interview with CityAM, Simon Pitts threw his weight behind traditional TV channels, insisting they were still relevant despite the rise of streaming heavyweights such as Netflix. “I don’t [...]