The Culture Secretary told the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee she is considering other options for the future of Channel 4.
Plans to privatise Channel 4 faced a fierce backlash earlier this year. But Michelle Donelan, the current Culture Secretary said she was reviewing that business case.
She told MPs “I can understand why there were concerns around Channel 4 in the long term from a sustainability point of view …. In addition to reviewing the business case, specifically for selling Channel 4, I’ve also been reviewing the other options for providing long-term sustainability around Channel 4 and we will announce our decision on that in due course.”
Donelan hinted most of the concerns centred around the future of linear advertising, which is forecast to decline.
Channel 4 meanwhile has set out plans to align its streaming service All4 to the Channel 4 brand next year as it sets out to develop its online streaming service. It has also entered into partnerships that has seen Channel 4 content appearing on Snapchat and YouTube.
Despite Channel 4’s public ownership, it is self-funding and is in profit. This means it is currently not costing the taxpayer any additional money.
At the same session, the Culture Secretary expressed her annoyance at the BBC’s failure to talk through proposed changes to BBC Local Radio with her department before the plans were published.