Channel 4: sustainability and privatisation
17 December 2015
The newly elected Conservative government is exploring all the options for privatising Channel 4, but faces a complex legislative pathway
The privatisation case would be made easier if the current model were unsustainable. Only, Channel 4 is delivering its remit with great success, is commercially sustainable, and promises both to remain highly sustainable and grow its PSB contribution through its current licence ending in 2024
Channel 4 privatisation offers small returns to the Treasury as long as the remit, IP ownership restrictions and ban on vertical integration remain in place