Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has advocated against the privatization of Channel 4 in a letter to the prime minister that has leaked online.
In the letter, obtained by the News Agents podcast, Ms. Donelan argued there were “other means to safeguard Channel 4’s viability” than privatization.
Her predecessor Nadine Dorries sought to sell the government-owned channel.
But Ms. Donelan wrote: “I have concluded that pursuing a sale at this point is not the correct decision.”
A representative for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) did not confirm the U-turn. They stated, “We do not comment on speculation.”
“The Secretary of State for DCMS has made it plain. That we are reviewing the business case for the sale of Channel 4 again.” We will disclose more about our plans in due course.
The culture secretary stated in September that she will “reexamine the commercial case” for privatization.
Lewis Goodall of The News Agents got a letter written to the prime minister by Ms. Donelan on Tuesday. In which she recommended that the scheme be scrapped.
She wrote: “After analyzing the business case, I have concluded that pursuing a sale at this time is not the best course of action. There are better ways to ensure the viability of C4C (Channel 4 Corporation) and the independent production sector.”
She said that its role in supporting the independent production sector. Would be significantly disturbed by a sale at a time when economic development and stability are our top concerns.
Dorries scores a hit
In response to the disclosure, Ms. Dorries stated that privatization was one of several “progressive” plans being “flushed down the drain.”
“Replaced with what? A policy in the future to teach math for longer with teachers we don’t even have yet” she remarked on Twitter. Referring to a vow PM Rishi Sunak is scheduled to make in a later speech.
“Where is the mandate? Who supported this? It will now be nearly impossible to stand before the electorate at a general election. And expect voters to believe or trust our manifesto pledges.”
Lucy Powell, the shadow culture minister for the Labour Party. Stated, “The Conservatives’ vendetta against Channel 4 was always detrimental to Britain. The expansion of our creative economy, and a waste of everyone’s time.”
The pact, the trade association representing independent television production businesses, applauded the anticipated reversal.
John McVay, chief executive officer of Pact. Stated, “The government made the correct decision to halt the privatization of Channel 4.” It was always a remedy in pursuit of a nonexistent problem.
“Channel 4 occupies a distinct role within the broadcasting ecosystem. Since its beginnings, its commissioning approach has supported British production firms, creating thousands of employees across the United Kingdom. Changing to private ownership would have jeopardized this,” he continued.
