Privatisation u-turn on Channel 4

Media unions welcomed news that the government will scrap its planned privatisation of Channel 4. Unions in the Federation of Entertainment Unions — the Bectu broadcasting, Equity creative practitioners’, MU musicians’, NUJ journalists’ unions and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain — had strongly opposed the plans.

“Channel 4 costs the UK taxpayer nothing, yet gives us a thriving independent production sector, thousands of jobs and world-renowned, innovative content,” said Bectu head Philippa Childs. She said it was a win for public service broadcasting, audiences and the UK’s creative industries.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet called on the government to properly engage with unions about how “this vital part of the creative industry can continue to thrive and flourish”.