Channel 4 privatisation to be abandoned
JANUARY 4, 2023 17.47 EUROPE/LONDON BY JULIAN CLOVER

The culture secretary has reportedly recommended the government drop plans for the controversial privatisation of Channel 4.

Michelle Donelan is believed to have written to the prime minister, advising that there were better options available.

One alternative proposal to privatisation, put forward by Channel 4, envisaged the sale of its London headquarters and moving its base to the North of England.

The privatisation plan was originally unveiled by Donelan’s predecessor Nadine Dorries under then prime minister Boris Johnson. This afternoon, Ms Dorries launched a stinging attack on the present incumbent Rishi Sunak, writing on Twitter: “Three years of a progressive Tory government being washed down the drain.”

In December, Ms Donelan told the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee that she was discussing other business models with the 40 year old public service broadcaster. Although it is publicly owned, Channel 4 is entirely funded by advertising and receives no money from the public purse.