[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Michelle Donelan is "re-examining the business case" for selling Channel 4. Looks like the new government is acting a bit more sensibly now that Dorries and her Twitter account have gone.
Per FT journalist: https://twitter.com/janinegibson/sta...17302723727362

https://www.politicshome.com/news/ar...ne-safety-bill

[EXTRACT]

New Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has said ministers plan to “re-examine the business case” for selling Channel 4, a proposal that had caused severe backlash within industry when suggested by Nadine Dorries.

Dorries, who headed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in Boris Johnson's government until recently, claimed that public ownership was holding back the channel from competing with the likes of Netflix and Amazon and was planning legislation for its privatisation.

The proposal sparked outrage among a number of Tory grandees and media figures.

But now her successor Donelan said she is “making sure that we still agree” with the decision to take the broadcaster out of public ownership.

"We do need to reexamine the business case, and that's certainly what I'm doing,” she told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme on Tuesday.

Donelan described herself as “the type of politician that bases their decisions on evidence, that bases their decisions on listening," after questions were raised over whether the controversial Channel 4 plans would still go ahead under new Prime Minister Liz Truss.

“I will take that approach when it comes to Channel 4 and every aspect of my brief,” she added.

The MP for Chippenham also said she is a “sceptic” when it comes to the BBC licence fee, which has also been a point of contention among senior ministers.