Lords Committee starts inquiry into the future of Channel 4

The Committee will hear from industry analysts and senior officials at Ofcom on a range of issues such as whether Channel 4 should be privatised, potential buyers for Channel 4, technology changes, and its public service broadcasting obligations.

In the first evidence session at 3.30pm, the Committee will hear from Claire Enders from Enders Analysis, a leading industry research company.

Questions that the Committee will put to the witness include:

• What makes you think that Channel 4 is commercially sustainable?
• Why is the Government showing concern over its future now?
• Should Channel 4 be privatised?
• Is Channel 4 fulfilling its core public service broadcasting duties?

In the following evidence session, at 4.15pm, the Committee will take evidence from Dr. Steve Unger, Chief Technology Officer at Ofcom, and Gareth Barr, Head of Public Service Policy, also at Ofcom.

Questions that they will be asked include:

• Ofcom has just renewed Channel 4's licence for another ten years – why is the Government talking about privatisation now?
• How sustainable is Channel 4?
• Is Channel 4's obligation to older children and younger adults being met?

The evidence sessions start at 3.30pm on Tuesday 12 April, in Committee Room 2.