Privatisation of Channel 4 'is cultural vandalism', says Lucy Powell MP
05.04.2022 - 11:41
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Government proposal to privatise Channel 4 'is cultural vandalism', Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell has said in a stinging statement. Ms Powell, the Shadow Culture Secretary, said the move would 'cost jobs and opportunities'.
The broadcaster said on Monday the Government has decided to go ahead with plans to privatise Channel 4. The channel, launched in November 1982, is currently owned by the Government and receives its funding from advertising.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 said it was 'disappointed' with the decision, but would 'continue to engage' with the Government on the process to 'ensure that Channel 4 continues to play its unique part in Britain’s creative ecology and national life'.
The statement also accused the Government of ignoring the views of viewers, adding: "With over 60,000 submissions to the Government's public consultation, it is disappointing that today's announcement has been made without formally recognising the significant public interest concerns which have been raised."
Ms Powell said: "Nothing screams a rudderless Government like announcements on Channel 4 while people's energy bills are through the roof. Selling off Channel 4, which doesn't cost the tax-payer a penny anyway, to what is likely to be a foreign company, is cultural vandalism. It will cost jobs and opportunities in the North and Yorkshire, and hit the wider British creative economy.
"This shows that the Conservatives have run out of ideas and run out of road. Of all the issues the public wants action on, the governance of Channel 4 isn't one. The Government should have a laser-like focus on the cost of living crisis, and help people with their bills, not be fiddling around like this for ideological reasons."
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