MERGING Channel 4 with ITV is an “interesting” possibility, according to the UK Government's media minister.
The Tory government has launched a consultation into the privatisation of Channel 4 amid concerns over its ability to compete with streaming giants, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Conservative MP Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, suggested options could include a merger with ITV or BBC Worldwide – the commercial arm of the BBC.
Minister John Whittingdale said the Government “maintains a completely open mind” about the future of the broadcaster but did note his party colleague had raised a “number of interesting possibilities”.
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Channel 4 was founded in 1982 to deliver to under-served audiences. It is owned by the Government and receives its funding from advertising, but could be sold off to a private buyer, with potential investors likely to include big American companies.
Speaking in the Commons, Knight said he was expressing his personal view before noting: “The recovery of Channel 4 and the evolving media landscape warrants close consideration of privatisation and sale.”
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He added: “Would the minister agree with me that it would be a good juncture to also consider whether Channel 4 could be bolstered by a potential merger with ITV or even hive off BBC Worldwide – the commercial arm of the BBC, which has often underperformed but has tremendous international potential to build scale for Channel 4?”
Whittingdale, in his reply, said: “We have reached no conclusion as to what is the appropriate future ownership model for Channel 4.
“We maintain a completely open mind but he raises a number of interesting possibilities and we are looking forward to seeing what submissions we receive as part of the consultation.”
The minister also said Channel 4 is going to need “access to investment capital in order to maintain” its record on broadcasting.
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