Set design: Britain’s Culture Secretary claims Channel 4’s privatization is for his own benefit

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the privatization of Channel 4 was to the channel’s “benefit” after it was accused of pursuing a “small vendetta”.

Ps expressed renewed concern about the government’s plans to sell the channel, which has been publicly owned since its inception in 1982 but is funded by advertising.

“Ninety-six per cent of the people who responded to the Channel 4 consultation did not support privatisation,” Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine told the House of Commons.

“Can the government please explain why they are not paying attention and are determined to privatize Channel 4?”

Ms Dorries replied: “Fifty-three per cent of people in a public poll actually thought Channel 4 was already privately owned.

“We have to deal with a rapidly changing broadcasting landscape.

“As we know, linear advertising is declining and Channel 4 is dependent on that advertising. It’s a decision we have to make in favor of Channel 4.”

She said the decision would allow the broadcaster to make investments and in response to later questions about whether British content would be protected, she added that “it’s being sold as a public service broadcaster and those criteria… will absolutely be included”. . .

Lucy Powell, culture secretary for labor shadows, suggested that a consultation on Channel 4 had shown a lack of support for privatisation.