Question to the Wales Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the privatisation of Channel 4 on residents in Newport West constituency.
I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters, including on matters relating to public service broadcasting and the ownership of Channel 4.
The Government consulted extensively on a change of ownership of Channel 4, and the views and evidence gathered from a wide range of stakeholders – including from stakeholders in Wales – have informed the Government’s assessment and wider policy-making.
Following this consultation, the Culture Secretary has come to a decision that, although Channel 4 as a business is currently performing well, public ownership is holding it back in the face of a rapidly-changing and competitive media landscape.
The Government will set out the future of Channel 4 in a White Paper shortly.