The government has launched a consultation into whether Channel 4 should be privatised – despite having made no good arguments for why it’s needed or how audiences would benefit. The Media Reform Coalition, with input from a range of other organisations including We Own It, Voice of the Listener and Viewer, and the British Broadcasting Challenge, have created a briefing document to help individuals and organisations respond. The consultation closes on Sept 14th 2021.
Read the briefing here
Despite having become more commercialised since the 1990s, Channel 4 still plays a vital role in the media landscape in the UK. The consultation is focused on the question of privatisation, and the answers and evidence provided in the briefing largely defend the organisation as it currently is.
However, as Tom Mills described in Tribune Magazine, the Media Reform Coalition believes that a transformed Channel 4 could return to the pioneering ethos of its early years. In our own response to the consultation, we will be emphasising the possibilities for transforming the Channel – creating a new funding model, mutualising it so that it can never be sold off, and using digital technologies to create more democratic and participatory relationships with its audiences. If you would like to know more about these ideas, take a look at our BBC and Beyond campaign.
I firmly believe in mutuality, that way the public gets involved and gain some influence, it is why I bank with a mutual, why all my insurance needs are with the Cooperative movement, iknow they franchise the policy, but at least I have some control. I believe all our basic needs I.e water, transport, energy should be provided by Cooperatives, or mutuals, so why not the media.That way we may get more information and transparency. Taking back control was the Brexiteers ideology, it was obvious to many that that was the last thing they wished to give back to the public .They wished to wrest back control from the EU so that they can set the agenda. We need Ch 4 to regain its original stance,and give the people a chance to have one channel in Britain that works in their best interest.,informs us ,allows proper scrutiny of government, and gives us a forum for debate, entertainment and pleasure.
Does this impact on S4C and, if so, what conditions will be put in place to ensure and enhance the protection of this Welsh language channel?
I am a loyal Channel 4 viewer and have been since it’s inception, I have come to rely on C4 News increasingly for news that in the current political climate we need more than ever. I have not seen especially in live debate a real commitment from other channels to the truth and worse the dreadful creation of so-called GBNews that was so inconsistent with British Values and owned by foreign billionaires that it seemed to be a front for propaganda it was so obviously untrue and deliberately inflammatory., fuelling the ridiculous and Government fuelled “Woke War”.
The reason I have began with the News is that many people, not just myself are infuriated at the timing of this as well as privatisation. It is practically an open secret that this is an attempt to silence C4 News. Tha is certainly how it will be perceived. This will only drive people further to seek out news on other platforms and I feel is disastrously at odds with the feeling of outrage at the very idea of privatising C4 in an already overwhelmingly biased and Right-Wing Broadcast Media.
People are starting to inform themselves. The drama on C4 the choice available, FILM 4 I have journeyed with C4 from my childhood. Since it’s inception. I know the only problem it currently faces is that democracy is genuinely under threat in this country because of a Government that suddenly wants to privatise it. Trust is a hard thing to win back.
I for one, will never forgive this Government if they succeed in privatising C4 and I will NEVER watch C4 again if they do.
Stephanie
Loyal Channel 4 Viewer.
Privatisation of the UK Railway Industry in 1995 produced a Fragmented conglomerate of 135 different companies, each with its own objectives on Profitability, with Customer Service always coming second behind Profit and the recovery of all Executive Overheads.
Therefore….
If it aint Broke, then dont Fix it as Channel 4 already provides High Quality TV without reservation. In particular, Channel 4 News is the only fully Independent News Programme in the UK and is to Jon Snows personal Credit since 7th May 1982..
Boris, leave well alone because Privatisation of Rail has already added enormous subsidy costs in excess of Billions of Pounds both to the Exchequer and to the Travelling Public, in terms of Higher and yet Higher Still Rly Ticket prices year on year.
Therefore, it it Ain Broke Dont Fix It ?
Kind Regards
Mike Ponsonby
I fully support your campaign to preserve the current structure of the BBC and the part it plays in the character of the United Kingdom. I would like to see a review of its funding – one which removes the current model where the Government has less influence on its day-to-day operations.
I fully support your campaign to preserve the current structure of the BBC and the part it plays in the character of the United Kingdom. I would like to see a review of its funding – one which removes the current model where the Government has too much influence on its day-to-day operations.
Its very difficult to provide evidence to the Lords consultation when the Governments arguments and proposals aren’t available. to rebut. I hope that all evidence is taken into consideration equally including the previous report but with the outcome already signposted it seems like a tick boxing exercise.
We know that Brexiteer Ministers hate the BBC and public operations. We know that Brexiteer Ministers are puching bills through parliament which put all power in Ministers hands. Our democracy is being diminished.
Channel 4 must not be privatised, we are on the verge of such e tremendous manipulation of our national media and the channels that give us an alternative voice, this powerfull voice in the wilderness should be listened to by all.