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UK government backs C4 sell-off

UK culture secretary John Whittingdale has said Channel 4 (C4) would be “better off” in private hands, fuelling speculation the commercially funded, state-owned broadcaster could be sold.

John Whittingdale

John Whittingdale

Whittingdale’s made his comments to the House of Lords communications committee, where he said there was “no shortage of potential interest” from potential buyers.

“There is an argument that Channel 4 would have a stronger future if it has a private sector partner who has deep pockets and was willing to invest in the growth of the business,” said the Conservative MP.

“This is not about raising money for the government but about trying to find a model to sustain Channel 4.”

Talk of the channel’s sale emerged last September when a government official was photographed with a Department for Culture, Media and Sport brief that outlined options for the channel’s privatisation.

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However, C4 is opposed to privatisation and CEO David Abraham has repeatedly warned that privatising the channel would undermine the country’s independent production sector and lead to widespread job losses.

Whittingdale said yesterday that no decision would be made until after discussions over the future of the BBC’s charter renewal this year.

The UK government is also considering whether the BBC should sell off its 50% stake in multi-channel operator UKTV, with Whittingdale believed to be a key part of the plans.

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