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<p>The Government consulted extensively on the future of Channel 4, and the views
and evidence gathered from a wide range of stakeholders has informed the government’s
assessment of any potential impact of a change of ownership. The Government published
its <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-change-of-ownership-of-channel-4-television-corporation/outcome/decision-rationale-and-sale-impact-analysis-for-a-change-of-ownership-of-channel-4"
target="_blank">sale impact analysis</a> on 28 April.</p><p>Channel 4 has done an
excellent job in supporting the UK production sector and thereby delivering on one
of its founding purposes. Forty years on, independent production in the UK is now
booming, with revenues having grown from £500 million in 1995 to £3 billion in 2019.
Companies are increasingly less reliant on Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs), including
Channel 4 for commissions.</p><p>Channel 4 still has an important part to play in
supporting the sector and our wider creative economy. Channel 4 will still be required
to commission a minimum volume of programming from independent producers, in line
with the quotas placed on other PSBs.</p><p>Channel 4 has strong relationships with
independent producers right across the UK and there is no reason this should change.
The Government expects a new owner to want to build on and develop those relationships.</p><p>The
Government believes that in the long run the UK production ecosystem will benefit
from a more sustainable Channel 4. A change of ownership that improves Channel 4’s
access to capital could increase spending on production.</p>
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