Channel 4 privatisation plans 'scrapped', report says

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Daily Telegraph newspaper says the state-run alternative broadcaster will likely remain in public hands but that other reforms and changes to its operation will be implemented, Amongst reforms expected to be announced by the Culture Secretary John Whittingdale next week are plans to made Channel 4 pay the Treasury a dividend – calling into question its non-profit status. In October the broadcaster’s chief executive David Abraham appeared before MPs and however said that privatisation would likely undermine the broadcaster’s independence. The Culture Secretary said last week that abolishing the BBC was a “tempting prospect” and he has previously expressed concerns about the broad range of services and programmes the Corporation offers He said last year there was “no prospect” of the BBC being abolished, however. “John Whittingdale seems determined to diminish the BBC and deliver a Charter that ignores the wishes of the public and is not in the interests of the BBC, license fee payers or our broadcasting industries,” Maria Eagle, shadow culture secretary, said.