Channel 4 saved from privatisation

Channel 4 has been saved from privatisation at the present time, though may be forced to relocate outside of London.
The commercially funded public service broadcaster has faced 18 months of uncertainty over its future. A speech by Culture Secretary Karen Bradley will confirm the change in Government policy saying the channel will continue to be “owned by the country”. Channel 4 has responded saying it welcomes the decision.

But the broadcaster may face a further consultation over forcing it to move outside of London, with cities including Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds in the frame to become Channel 4’s new home in order to spread jobs associated with broadcasting and creative industries to more areas of the UK.

Channel 4 was launched in 1982 as a place for alternative content, with a remit to serve minorities and special interest groups, with programming initially complementing ITV’s schedule. In recent years, the channel has pushed towards acquiring more mainstream sports rights and controversially snapped up the rights to The Great British Bake Off last year.