David Abraham has hit back at claims from culture secretary John Whittingdale that privatisation would liberate the broadcaster and redefine its “fuzzy” remit.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Whittingdale dismissed speculation he had gone off the idea of a sale and said C4 was “restrained” by its current model.
But speaking at an event held for the Future for Public Service Television Inquiry in Westminster last night [14 March], the Channel 4 chief executive said he was “puzzled” by the remarks and claimed the culture secretary was basing “a huge decision” on “a vague existential threat of dangers unproven”.
“It does not feel fuzzy to me,” Abraham added. “C4 is more distinctive than other broadcasters – it’s taking more risks, it doesn’t feel particularly vague to me.”
Miranda Blazeby, Broadcast, 15th March 2016
‘Channel 4 would never have discovered that the Paralympics or shows such as Gogglebox could be hits if it had been run for profit, its chief executive, David Abraham, has said.
The government is considering whether to privatise Channel 4, with US companies such as Scripps Network and Discovery – where Abraham previously worked – mooted as likely buyers. It has said any sale would maintain the channel’s remit to take risks on programming and serve specific audiences such as young people and ethnic minorities.
However, Abraham told an event on Channel 4’s future held at parliament as part of Lord Puttnam’s inquiry into public service broadcasting that commercial pressures would undermine the channel’s remit and ability to take risks.’
Jasper Jackson, The Guardian, 15th March 2016
Channel 4’s submission to A Future for Public Service Television Inquiry points out that we are ‘at a crucial moment in the history of Public Service Broadcasting in the UK – with potential for major decisions on the sector that could have long-term ramifications. It is imperative that decisions made in the coming months are taken with care and considerations and that nothing is done that would damage the sector that has served as the foundation on which the success of many of the UK’s creative industries are built.’ Read Channel 4’s submission in full here.
Please note that the venue has changed. The event will be taking place in Committee Room 12, Palace of Westminster. Also, Sharon White, CEO of Ofcom, is no longer able to take part. Speakers now include:
David Abraham (Chief Executive Channel 4)
Lord Inglewood (Former Chairman of the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications 2011-2014)
Laura Mansfield (Outline Productions and Chair of PACT)
Guy Bisson (Research Director, Ampere Analysis)
chaired by Lord Puttnam
This panel discussion, chaired by Lord Puttnam, focuses on the challenges facing Channel 4 in particular, and public service television more generally, at a time of great uncertainty. Channel 4 plays a central role in delivering public service broadcasting but its future is under scrutiny given ongoing discussions about a possible change of ownership. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from key participants in these debates including Channel 4’s Chief Executive, David Abraham, as well as Lord Inglewood, former Chairman of the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications, and the Research Director of media analysis Ampere Analysis, Guy Bisson.
When: Monday 14 March 2016 from 6 – 7.30 pm
Where: Committee Room 12 – Palace of Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
The event is free but registration is required via Eventbrite
Please allow sufficient time to get through security in Parliament.
6-8pm, Wednesday 6 April 2016, Room 0.14 Bute Building, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB
Speakers include:
Angharad Mair (BAFTA Wales and Tinopolis)
Huw Jones (Chair, S4C)
Ian MacKenzie (Head of Nations and Regions, Channel 4)
Angela Graham (Institute of Welsh Affairs)
Rhys Evans (Head of Strategy and Digital at BBC Wales)
Chaired by Sian Powell (Cardiff University)
This event is hosted and supported by the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-future-for-public-service-television-inquiry-event-for-wales-tickets-21627455301
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6-8pm, Dydd Mercher 6 Ebrill, 2016, Ystafell 0.14 Adeilad Bute, Prifysgol Caerdydd, Rhodfa Brenin Edward VII, Caerdydd, CF10 3NB
Siaradwyr yn cynnwys:
Angharad Mair (BAFTA Cymru a Tinopolis)
Huw Jones (Cadeirydd, S4C)
Ian MacKenzie (Pennaeth Cenhedloedd a Rhanbarthau, Channel 4)
Angela Graham (Sefydliad Materion Cymreig)
Rhys Evans (Pennaeth Strategaeth a Digidol BBC Cymru)
Cadeirir gan Sian Powell (Prifysgol Caerdydd)
Ymchwiliad Dyfodol Gwasanaeth Teledu Cyhoeddus
Trefnydd Dyfodol Gwasanaeth Teledu Cyhoeddus – Digwyddiad yr Ymchwiliad yng Nghymru
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-future-for-public-service-television-inquiry-event-for-wales-tickets-21627455301