Channel 4

Debate between Lord Ashton of Hyde and Viscount Colville of Culross

Wednesday 29th March 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

My Lords, the statutory requirements do not mention where, for example, the headquarters is. We want to make sure that Channel 4, as a public service broadcaster with the taxpayer as lender of last resort, is able to contribute around the country. At the moment, we think that there is a case to answer there. Of course, having a consultation means that we will be able to take all views, and no doubt the noble Lord will be able to contribute to it.

[Viscount Colville of Culross (CB)]

My Lords, I declare an interest, having just made two Channel 4 programmes. I welcome the announcement that Channel 4 will not be privatised. Are the Government looking at other options, such as the sale of a minority stake in Channel 4 to a strategic partner?

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

No. At the moment the Government are not looking at that. They have made their decision clear; the current ownership will stay the same. There is a prospect of looking at a potential increase in the share of any independent production company that Channel 4 can own. It is currently limited to 25%.

BBC: Royal Charter

Debate between Lord Ashton of Hyde and Viscount Colville of Culross

Tuesday 19th July 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

My Lords, I am happy to say that debates will take place in all the devolved Assemblies before the debates in this House and the other place.

[Viscount Colville of Culross (CB)]

My Lords, I declare an interest as a BBC producer. In the White Paper, the Government asked the BBC to put all non-news programming out to competitive tender. At the same time, BBC programme-making has been hived off to become an independent commercial entity. Will the Minister tell the House whether the Government intend the BBC, outside news, to become a broadcast publisher on the lines of Channel 4?

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

My Lords, I am afraid I am not going to pre-empt what is in the draft charter. The noble Viscount will see what is in the draft charter and framework agreement, but I feel sure that he will be reassured.