Channel 4 privatisation scrapped by Culture Secretary
The UK government’s culture secretary has recommended not to privatise Channel 4, according to a leaked letter.
The previous government spearheaded by prime minister Boris Johnson said that the Channel 4 privatisation process to go ahead.
News of the sale triggered criticism from politicians from all parties and the broadcasting industry.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan set out her plans for the climbdown in a document sent to the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, which states that there is little appetite for privatisation of the broadcaster among MPs.
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“After reviewing the business case, I have concluded that pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure C4C’s sustainability and that of the independent production sector,” she said in the letter.
Donelan said she was re-examining the case for selling Channel 4 in September, raising the possibility that the plan would be scrapped.
A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said they would not comment on the leaked letter.
