Channel 4 future: Ofcom gives evidence to Lords committee
13 September 2021
Broadcasting regulator Ofcom will give evidence to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee tomorrow (Tuesday 14 September from 2.45 p.m.) as it continues its inquiry into the future of Channel 4.
Independent experts will appear also to offer perspectives on market trends and state intervention in the broadcasting sector.
Ministers are consulting on the possible privatisation of Channel 4 – the government’s preferred option - and now peers are investigating its remit and ownership.
The committee will hear from:
At 2.45 p.m.
- Kevin Bakhurst, Group Director, Content and Media Policy and Board Director, Ofcom
- Kate Biggs, Director, Broadcast Policy and Commercial Broadcasters, Ofcom
At 4.00 p.m.
- Mark Oliver, Chairman and Co-Founder, Oliver and Ohlbaum Associates
- Dr Helen Weeds, Senior Consultant to the European Competition Practice at Charles River Associates
Likely questions include:
- What is Channel 4’s role in the public service broadcasting system and is its remit defined clearly enough?
- If Channel 4 was privatised, to what extent and by what means could its public service value be protected or enhanced?
- Have changes in the market affected Channel 4 differently to other broadcasters?
- If Channel 4 was sold, how should the proceeds be spent?
