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The attempt of the televisions to survive in which the content platforms are monopolizing a good part of the market are forcing them to make big decisions to be able to adapt to the new times. In the United Kingdom, for example, the privatization of Channel 4 has been launched, since according to the government, being its property, "it is falling behind" when it comes to competing against "giants like Netflix and Amazon", in the words of Nadine Dorries, the Minister of Culture. According to Dorries, “a change in ownership would give Channel 4 the tools and freedom to flourish and prosper as a public service broadcaster well into the future”, and its sale, due to be agreed in early 2024, could reach one billion pounds sterling (about 1200 billion euros).
However, the network did not appear to be happy with the decision, with a spokesman stating that "it is disappointing that the announcement has been made without formally acknowledging the significant public interest concerns that have been raised" and warning that "the proposal Privatization will require a long legislative process and political debate.” From the Labor party they accused the Tories of “hooliganism”. "Selling Channel 4, which doesn't cost you a dime to contribute anyway, to what is likely to be a foreign company, is cultural hooliganism," said Lucy Powell, director of Culture for the group, referring to the fact that the The station, although it is state-owned, does not receive public funds as is the case with the BBC, and more than 90% of its income comes from advertising. Launched in 1982, it invests all its profits in the development of new programs, which it contracts with independent producers.
The sale has also been criticized within the ranks of the government, as is the case of Jeremy Hunt, who assured Sky News that he is not in favor "because I think that, as it is, Channel 4 offers competition to the BBC in what It's known as public service broadcasting, the kind of shows that aren't commercially viable, and I think it would be a shame to lose that." Furthermore, it was the Conservative MP Julian Knight, who asked on his Twitter account if the decision is revenge on Prime Minister Boris Johnson: "Is this being done to take revenge for Channel 4's biased coverage of issues such as Brexit and the personal attacks on the prime minister?
From the Executive they defend, however, that the chain will continue to be a public service and that the government will ensure that it "continues to make an important social, economic and cultural contribution to the United Kingdom". "There are restrictions that come with public ownership, and a new owner could provide access and benefits, including access to capital, strategic partnerships and international markets," the government explained when launching a consultation on the measure in July last year. , when he further argued that "private investment would mean more content and more jobs."
The privatization of the lock, according to The Times newspaper, represented the largest sale of a state activity of the Royal Mail in 2013, which tends to be included in the next Media Act, which tends to be included in Parliament.
