Following the emergence of correspondence that suggested such a move was likely, Michelle Donelan, UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has decided not to privatise Channel 4 after reviewing the business case for its sale. The broadcaster will remain in public ownership but with greater commercial flexibility, increased investment in […]
Channel 4 has released a statement in response to the UK government’s decision to drop its plans to privatise the commercial public service broadcaster. The statement reads: We welcome the Government’s decision that Channel 4 will remain in public ownership. This decision provides a firm basis on which to establish the sustainable direction of Channel […]
Alex Mahon, CEO at UK public service broadcaster Channel 4, has acknowledged that the change in leadership of the governing Conservative Party and arrival of a new Secretary of State with responsibility for the broadcast sector, may impact on the previously announced intention to privatise the service. “Where we are now is that the government […]
Channel 4 has appointed Marcia Williams as it first Director of Inclusion. Reporting to Alex Mahon, Chief Executive, Marcia will join Channel 4 in August 2022 and will also be a member of the Executive Management Board. “Channel 4 believes that everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity, sexuality or ability should be respected for their […]
The DCMS tried to intervene to alter the wording of Channel 4’s annual report to fit its privatisation plans, according to Alex Mahon, the broadcaster’s CEO. The government is seeking to privatise Channel 4, claiming it will struggle to survive against big streaming companies such as Netflix, and has an over-reliance on TV advertising to […]
The UK House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee is to question the Chief Executive and Operating Officers of Channel 4 on their thoughts on Government plans to privatise the broadcaster. Questions are expected to cover whether privatisation will increase or decrease the channel’s impact and contribution to the sector, as well as […]
UK DCMS Secretary Nadine Dorries says it is “laughable” that she is spearheading the sale of Channel 4 out of vengeance, though adding in the same evidence to MPs that it ‘hadn’t done itself any favours’ in a reference to an old story about Channel 4 News anchor Jon Snow abusing Tory MPs. In the […]
Channel 4 has announced an extension of its strategic partnership with YouTube to make hundreds of hours of programmes available on YouTube in the UK/Eire and enable Channel 4 to sell its own advertising around these shows, marking the first deal of its kind across the UK and Europe. Channel 4 says the new deal […]
Alex Mahon, Chief Executive as Channel 4, has shared the broadcaster’s future plan proposal, 4:The Next Episode, which sets out its vision of what more Channel 4 can be and can do, while continuing to be owned by the British people. Mahon, said: “The last two years have transformed the profile of Channel 4’s audience […]
Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, has mounted a strong defence of the broadcaster following the UK government’s announcement that it plans to privatise the channel, describing it as “a thriving national asset with a business model that has never been in better health”. Writing for The Sunday Times online, Mahon says the reaction […]