On September 14th, The Guardian reported that

Channel 4 privatisation ‘could shut up to 60 production companies’

'Channel 4’s unique status, established in 1982 as an editorially independent broadcaster to provide a culturally challenging alternative to BBC One, BBC Two and ITV, makes it vitally important to hundreds of independent television producers across the country.

It is publicly owned but commercially funded, mostly through TV ad revenue, and is not required to turn a profit or focus on dividends for shareholders.'

On November 26th, The Evening Standard reported:

'PEERS CRITICISE GOVERNMENT OVER CHANNEL 4 PRIVATISATION PROPOSALS'

'The Government should have waited to consult on the future of Channel 4 until they had set out a vision for public service broadcasting'

'.. A report by the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee says

'the Government did not “take the right approach” when they declared privatisation was their preferred option.'

Thank you for signing the petition in support.  Channel 4 cannot survive as a 'culturally challenging alternative' if it is privatised.  Independence has created the conditions for quality. The relentless pursuit of profit that privatisation inevitably brings will destroy those conditions. 

Channel 4 News is one of the few remaining sources of reliable news. It is trusted.  In the deluge of fake news, disinformation and biased reporting, we need - more than ever - integrity and commitment to rigorous and truthful reporting

Please continue to share this petition.  Channel 4 is much loved and will be ruined if privatisation goes ahead.

Thank you!