Culture Secretary gives evidence on Channel 4
25 April 2016
On Tuesday 26 April, the Communications Committee hears from John Whittingdale MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, for its inquiry into Channel 4. David Abraham, Channel 4 Chief Executive, also gives evidence on privatisation, safeguarding news and the portrayal of under-represented groups.
- Parliament TV: The sustainability of Channel 4
- Inquiry: The sustainability of Channel 4
- Select Committee on Communications
Background
The witnesses are asked for their views on the overall sustainability of Channel 4, whether privatisation is appropriate, potential buyers, the changing remit of the channel, and diversity on the channel.
Witnesses
Tuesday 26 April in Committee Room 2, Palace of Westminster
At 3.30pm
- David Abraham, Chief Executive Officer, Channel 4
- Dan Brooke, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Channel 4
At 4.30pm
- Rt Hon John Whittingdale, OBE MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Possible questions to Channel 4
- Where do you stand on the benefits/drawbacks of privatisation?
- Would it inherently damage the 'culture' of the channel?
- How could the protection of the channel's news work in practice?
- How could a privatised channel be regulated by Ofcom?
Possible questions to the Culture Secretary
- Are you concerned about the channel's long-term sustainability?
- What are your views on privatisation? How about mutualisation or part-privatisation?
- How could the channel's remit be affected by privatisation?
- Could its news obligations be compromised?
- How would Channel 4 keep to its diversity promises if privatised?
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright