Selling off the publicly owned UK broadcaster could depend on changing its business model
What is privatisation?
Privatisation is the transfer of ownership of a government or publicly owned organisation to private companies or individuals. For example, in 2013 Royal Mail was privatised through a flotation on the London Stock Exchange, the handling of which resulted in the government being heavily criticised.
Who owns Channel 4?
Channel 4 was established by Margaret Thatcher’s government in 1982 to provide a culturally challenging alternative to BBC One, BBC Two and ITV. It is publicly owned but commercially funded. Unlike the BBC, which is funded through the £159-a-year licence fee its viewers must pay, Channel 4 has no financial support from the taxpayer.
