The government has recently consulted on whether an alternative ownership model for Channel 4 (but one where it retains a public service remit) may be better for the broadcaster, and better for the country.<\/p>
We want Channel 4 to continue to be a public service broadcaster, and we want it to and continue to contribute socially, economically and culturally to life across the UK. But there is a wealth of evidence - including Ofcom\u2019s recent report - on the future challenges facing our traditional linear TV broadcasters. Linear TV viewing is down almost 60% amongst 16-25 year olds since 2010, whilst 16-34 year olds now spend almost twice as much time on YouTube and subscription VoD services than they do with broadcast content. There are now 315 channels, compared to 5 in 1982 when Channel 4 was established. Linear TV advertising revenues - which constituted Channel 4 is uniquely constrained in its ability to meet these challenges while it remains under public ownership - particularly because its access to capital and ability to pursue strategic partnership opportunities is limited.<\/p> Moving Channel 4 into private ownership could allow it to access new capital, take advantage of international opportunities, and create strategic partnerships only available through the private sector.<\/p> Consulting on the broadcaster\u2019s future is therefore about ensuring that Channel 4 can continue to contribute to the UK\u2019s success in public service broadcasting for years to come, and how we ensure its ownership model best supports this aim.<\/p> The channel\u2019s wider economic and social contributions, its role in the creative economies of the nations and regions, and its remit are among the issues we have consulted on.<\/p> The consultation opened on 6 July, running for 10 weeks, before closing on 14 September. We are currently analysing responses to our consultation, and evidence received through it, to inform our policy-making decisions.Once we have answered the questions set out in the consultation, we will know what specific impacts to assess and will therefore be in a position to carry out an impact assessment.<\/p> <\/p>"}
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over 90<\/del>74<\/ins>% of Channel 4\u2019s revenue in 2020 - have declined across the sector at a compound annual rate of 2.5% since 2015.<\/p>