Channel 4: Funding and Governance Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateViscount Colville of Culross
Main Page: Viscount Colville of Culross (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)Department Debates - View all Viscount Colville of Culross's debates with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
(3 years, 1 month ago)
Lords ChamberIf my noble friend or any members of the public have concerns about the accuracy of any broadcaster, including Channel 4, they can send those concerns to Ofcom.
The digital streaming television world depends heavily on access to archive. At the moment Channel 4 has no archives since terms of trade agreements with content suppliers mean that IP is kept by independent production companies and is seen as a crucial means by which they can grow their businesses. Do the Government intend to maintain the present terms of trade agreement between any new owner of Channel 4 and its content suppliers?
The noble Viscount raises an important issue. There is a tension between ownership by the independents and the PSBs. We will be setting out more on this in the White Paper.