Channel 4 working on new ITN deal as bosses fight privatisation plan
Channel 4 is preparing to sign a deal to keep its news programme on air for the next five years, meaning any new private sector owner could be locked into producing a show that has repeatedly angered Conservative ministers.
It comes as the broadcaster’s management team engage in an uneasy dance over its future, with the government increasingly annoyed that they are openly fighting attempts at privatisation.
“Name me one other company where the executives would be able to go out and actively oppose their shareholders,” said one government source, who suggested it would not be tolerated for much longer.
According to individuals involved in the process, Channel 4 is in a state of “phoney war” before publication of the government’s detailed plans on privatisation, expected in July. Parliament will then be asked to approve the proposals as part of a wider piece of media legislation in the autumn, with a sale potentially taking place in early 2023.
Among the potential bidders is the actor Idris Elba, who sources said was in early discussions with the TV production company Miroma. Both parties stressed their affection for the channel and a keenness for it to stay British.
The fate of Channel 4 is increasingly linked to Boris Johnson’s ability to remain as prime minister – and the ability of external lobby groups, TV industry representatives and actors to win the support of backbench Conservative MPs.
Channel 4 certainly has friends. Fighting privatisation of the broadcaster – which has a specific remit to create distinctive content and must reinvest all of its profits into new programmes – has united almost the entire television and arts industry.
Everyone from David Attenborough to the owners of small production companies in
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