The U.K.’s most prominent television and film unions have issued a joint letter opposing the privatization of public service broadcaster Channel 4. The Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU…
, the National Union of Journalists, the Musicians’ Union and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, together represents over 120,000 creative workers in the U.K.Channel 4
The letter also cites research from analysts at Ernst and Young LPP who have found if the sale of Channel 4 goes ahead, the U.K. creative industries would be worse off by £2 billion , 2,400 jobs would be at risk and “at least” 60 production companies. Channel 4 is a major success story, consistently pushing the boundaries of entertainment and thought-provoking news content for British audiences. This success is built on the back of the current model, which supports a thriving independent production sector and allows commissioners a degree of risk and creativity, of which the viewing public reap the benefits.
It’s difficult to understand the decision to insist on selling off such a profitable network. The economic argument for privatisation, including the assertion that ‘a change of ownership will give Channel 4 the tools and freedom to flourish and thrive’, simply doesn’t stand up – Channel 4 is demonstrably already thriving on its own.
Channel 4 ensures that its investment is spread across the country, with its Nations and Regions strategy resulting in 50% of commissioning being outside of London. The opening of headquarters in Leeds brought significant investment to the region and led to 200 jobs, not to mention a wealth of opportunities for film and TV workers across the North. Additionally, some of the U.K.
The Government’s consultation on privatisation received 60,000 responses, 91% of which were opposed to privatisation, and clear, united opposition from the industry. Pushing forward with privatisation displays a disappointing willingness to ignore the very real concerns of those who are embedded in, work for and champion the creative industries, and strong public sentiment.
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