Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

What assessment she has made of the impact of the potential privatisation of Channel 4 on jobs in the independent media production sector.

The government’s decision on the future of Channel 4, including its role with the independent production sector, will be informed by the responses to our recent consultation, which are still being analysed.

We are pleased that the UK’s independent production sector is flourishing and has become less reliant on income from PSBs over the years. Between 2008 and 2018, the contribution of PSB commissions to sector revenue fell from 64%-42%. But Channel 4 - and other PSBs - still has an important role to play in supporting independent production and the wider creative economy.

Whatever decision is made, it will not compromise the government’s commitment to this sector. Channel 4’s ability to work with independent producers is a strength to be celebrated and maintained into its future, and is not at odds with private investment.