Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

Isn't that the way the world works?

"hey guys, I've got this brilliant idea/concept, we just need to market it properly to ensure the public think they need it" :D

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

Only in Marketing and Politics...

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

oh, so a Government run/owned (whatever) business that relies on adverts doesn't fall into those categories then :p:

edit: actually I may have read your reply wrong, but still, IMO 95% of the world is ran that way

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

That's characteristically an old Boy opinion proclaimed as a fact and devoid of any supporting evidence. Channel 4 is a successful broadcaster and has adapted well to streaming. Its management state that it should remain constituted as it is. Advisers commissioned by Channel 4 estimated privatisation would raise £500m-to £1bn for the public purse, but hit the supply chain outside the capital, thereby at odds with the government's levelling-up agenda.

This was not in the Conservative Manifesto and is just going to waste valuable time in the Lords and Commons and will likely become another Johnson flip-flop.

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

Another good summary:

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

I second that

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

Link

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

Coulda, woulda, shoulda…

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

:Yes:

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

A more serious response - this was the remit for the consultation

You may notice a lack of congruence between the remit and the response you quoted…

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

Typical. You get some evidence you’ve been calling for from people you disagree with, and instead of having a discussion, you deride the response with something barmy like this and simply stick with your views because you’re always right. Even when you are wrong.

And then we go round in yet another circle.

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

No evidence, just opinions. Which is fine but the two should not be confused.

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

The financial benefits of privatisation when advertising is declining has already been stated, but you are not listening, are you?

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

Part of the point of Channel 4 is to stimulate and provide a platform for the independent television production sector. That's why when it was created it was deliberately conceived and structured not to make its own shows, just commission them, so there would always be an outlet for independent production companies.

A flourishing independent production scene is a key part of the TV ecosystem. If all the major TV channels/platforms only rely, or mostly rely, on their own in-house production, the whole industry, UK and worldwide, suffers.

The big bit quoted a few posts back basically says it should be privatised so it can make its own programming. Channel 4 was basically created for two reasons, to create distinctive programming, and to support independent TV/film production industry. If it starts making its own programming it's a slippery slope to being dependent on it, and then ultimately not fulfilling one of the reasons for its creation.

Re: Channel 4 to be privatised
 

What do you mean by the financial benefit of privatisation? Channel 4's revenues have been growing and it has diversified its income streams eg pay TV streaming service app All4. It's possible they could be diversified further but adding shareholders who will need a return on their £1bn investment won't benefit Channel 4 financially.

This is a solution in search of a problem and will just waste valuable time in the Commons and Lords and likely go nowhere. Shouldn't the government be spending its limited legislative time on things like GDPR reform? Or has it run out of ideas and acknowledged there will be no bonfire of red tape?