The new tradition secretary has forged doubt on the way forward for the federal government’s plans to dump Channel 4, saying the choice is being reviewed “to make sure we still agree”.
Michelle Donelan’s predecessor, Nadine Dorries, led the controversial transfer to take Channel 4 out of public possession throughout her time beneath Boris Johnson’s management.
Ms Dorries mentioned she had declined to proceed along with her cupboard place following Mr Johnson’s departure earlier this month, together with his successor as PM, Liz Truss, naming Ms Donelan the brand new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
She informed BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Ms Truss’ authorities was re-examining the “business case” for the sale of Channel 4.
“We are looking especially at the business case for the sale of Channel 4 and making sure that we still agree with that decision, and that is what I am doing,” she mentioned.
“I’m the type of politician that bases their decisions on evidence, that bases their decisions on listening, and that’s what I will be doing over the coming weeks.
“I’ll take that strategy on the subject of Channel 4 and each facet of my transient.”
The authorities confronted heavy criticism – together with from senior members of its personal social gathering and the British media business – over the announcement in April that Channel 4 can be privatised.
Ms Dorries mentioned the proposals “would release Channel 4 from the outdated shackles of public ownership”, however Labour mentioned it was “cultural vandalism”.
Appearing on Sky News earlier at the moment, Ms Donelan additionally addressed the BBC licence price, saying she would take a look at it “in the round” as she declined to say whether or not it may very well be scrapped.
She praised the protection of the Queen’s demise and funeral by each the BBC and Sky.
But she additionally issued a warning to the nationwide broadcaster over the way forward for the licence price.
She mentioned: “It is no secret that I have been a long-term sceptic of the licence fee and that we need to make sure that the BBC is sustainable in the long term. So I’m looking at this in the round.”
In January, Ms Dorries introduced that the licence price can be frozen at £159 for the following two years till April 2024.
She mentioned she needed to discover a new funding mannequin earlier than the present deal expired in 2027 as it’s “completely outdated”.
The evaluate was as a result of start earlier than the Commons summer time recess, however was thrown into doubt after Mr Johnson’s resignation as Tory chief.
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John McVay, chief government of Pact, the commerce physique for impartial TV and movie manufacturing corporations, mentioned he was “delighted” the enterprise case for Channel 4 was being re-examined.
He mentioned: “The new prime minister has made it clear her priority is to drive growth.
“Privatising Channel 4 would do the other, endangering the way forward for 1000’s of British manufacturing corporations and endangering the long run prospects of a thriving business which has a presence proper throughout the nation.”
A spokesperson for Channel 4 also welcomed the decision, saying: “Channel 4 appears ahead to working with the brand new Secretary of State as she examines choices for Channel 4.”
Source: information.sky.com”