Channel 4 may be in line of fire as Brown seeks funds - report |
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Wed, 23 May 2007 07:15
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LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Treasury officials are considering a 1 bln stg sale of broadcaster Channel 4 as Whitehall examines options for raising money under Gordon Brown when he becomes prime minister, The Times reported.Ofcom, the communications watchdog, is expected this week to deliver a stinging criticism of Channel 4s handling of the alleged racist bullying on this winters Celebrity Big Brother, the newspaper added.The Labour Party has a manifesto commitment to keeping Channel 4 in public ownership, but advisers to Mr Brown are understood to be weighing the political and economic arguments for privatisation, The Times said.One possibility is that Mr Brown will bring in a new culture secretary to replace Tessa Jowell and make way for a sale in his first 100 days in No 10.Jowell has long been a staunch supporter of keeping Channel 4 in public ownership, arguing for diversity in the media and questioning the amount that the Government could raise in a sale.However, Treasury officials are keen to raise money to meet pledges to raise cash and meet other business commitments.tf.TFN-Europe_newsdesk@thomson.comnh/jfrCOPYRIGHTCopyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.
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