Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they had with the board of Channel 4 about the desirability of privatisation before announcing a review into private ownership of the channel.

Government Ministers meet members of the Channel 4 board and executive team regularly to discuss a range of issues.

The government intends to consult on a potential change in ownership of Channel 4 on the basis that an alternative ownership model (but one where it keeps a public service remit) may be better for the broadcaster and its ability to contribute socially, economically and culturally in the decades to come.

The public consultation was published on 06 July 2021. It will run for 10 weeks, closing on 14 September 2021. The Government is seeking views from a broad range of stakeholders to inform its policy making.