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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with (1) global media companies, (2) UK broadcasters, and (3) financial institutions, about the possibility of their purchasing Channel 4.

Channel 4 is one of this country’s greatest broadcasting assets. We must think long-term about the challenges ahead and make sure it has the capital it needs to continue to contribute to the UK’s success in public service broadcasting. We have therefore consulted on the best ownership model to support Channel 4 in the years to come.

The government has not decided whether to sell Channel 4, or how Channel 4 may be sold. Ministers and DCMS officials have been meeting a broad range of interested parties throughout the consultation process. Their views and evidence along with the consultation responses we have received will inform our policy-making and final decision.