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**Hugh** · 07-04-2022, 22:31

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Originally Posted by nomadking

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Unlike other broadcasters, it doesn't make its own shows - they are all made by independent production companies. Any profits go back into programme-making.
However, the government says that because TV advertising revenues are declining (along with traditional TV viewing) and programme budgets are rising, Channel 4 is being held back from competing with other TV services.
...
The independent producers who make programmes for Channel 4 can make money when shows are sold to streaming services, or to broadcasters in other countries.
A privatised Channel 4 could make more money from those rights, and also make programmes itself. What's more, it could earn money by making shows for other broadcasters around the world - as BBC Studios and ITV Studios do.
Channel 4 would also be free of the current legal limits on how much money it can borrow.
"There are constraints that come with public ownership, and a new owner could bring access and benefits, including access to capital, to strategic partnerships and to the international markets," the government said when it launched a consultation into the move last July.
"Private investment would mean more content, and more jobs."

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

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The consultation sought respondents’ views on:

• whether they agreed that there were challenges in the current TV broadcasting market that presented barriers to a sustainable Channel 4 in public ownership.
• whether a continued Channel 4, with a continued public service broadcasting licence and remit, would be better placed to deliver sustainably against the government’s aims for public service broadcasting if it was outside public ownership.
• what the economic, social and cultural costs and benefits might be to moving Channel 4 out of public ownership.

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