The government has today confirmed that Channel 4 is to avoid privatisation and remain under public ownership.
After what has been years of talks to sell the broadcaster for a reported possible £1.5 billion, which had faced strong opposition from executives at Channel 4 itself and throughout much of the TV industry, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has today confirmed a U-turn on such privatisation plans and announced that the channel will stay under public ownership, The Manc reports.
The government says Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has "decided not to privatise Channel 4 after reviewing the business case for its sale".
This means that the broadcaster will remain in public ownership, but now with what the government is calling "greater commercial flexibility", an "increased investment in skills and jobs", as well as new production arrangements to "support" the channel's "long-term sustainability and growth".
Ms Donelan has called Channel 4 "a British success story" and "a linchpin of our booming creative industries", but says she has decided that pursuing a sale is not the best option to "ease the challenges" the broadcaster is facing, nor to support growth in the UK’s creative economy - especially the independent production sector.
The government says that doing nothing, however, also "carries risks".
This is why it says it believes change is necessary to ensure the broadcaster can thrive, both "now and long into the future" in what is a rapidly-changing media landscape.
Following discussions with Channel 4 and the independent production sector, the government has also confirmed an "ambitious package of measures" as an alternative to a sale.
"The package will ensure the broadcaster remains focused on sustainability and has new opportunities to grow while serving audiences in the decades to come with high-quality, innovative and distinctive content," the government explains.
In addition to the package of measures, the government says Channel 4 has also committed to increasing the number of roles outside London - which is set to provide more opportunities for people from across the UK to gain experience in the broadcast media sector.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan "decided not to privatise Channel 4 after reviewing the business case for its sale" / Credit: Flickr
Channel 4 - which was created in 1982, and has been funded entirely by advertising out of public ownership for the last 40 years, with everything it airs is commissioned from external production companies - has welcomed the decision to ditch privatisation plans for it to remain "safely in the hands of the British people".
The broadcaster said in a statement: "For over 40 years, Channel 4 has been a keystone of Britain's universal, free, public service broadcasting architecture.
"We have spoken up for diverse and young audiences across the UK, nurtured new talent and held power to account, but standing still has never been an option for Channel 4 throughout our history.
"Indeed, our next stage of evolution is already well under way."
Featured Image - Flickr
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American rapper cancels rescheduled Leeds gig AGAIN due to ‘ongoing illness’
Action Bronson cancels Leeds gig for a second time, and it's safe to say fans aren't happy.
Ariyan Arslani, better known by his stage name Action Bronson, is an American rapper, chef and TV personality with a huge following.
The star was meant to perform at Project House last Tuesday 30 June but the show was cancelled the morning of, and subsequently the venue released an updated date of Tuesday 7 July.
It seems fans of Bronson may be experiencing some deja vu, as the gig has yet again been cancelled with short notice.
Except this time, no rescheduled date has been given.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The statement by Project House reads: "We have been informed by Action Bronson's team that regrettably, due to an ongoing illness he will be unable to perform at Project House this evening.
"We're incredibly sorry to be cancelling at such short notice. We had hoped last week's postponements would allow for sufficient recovery time but sadly, that has not been the case. Action is as disappointed as we are and we'd like to wish him all the best. Refunds will be issued from the point of purchase."
And it's fair to say the comments are...interesting, with fans far from happy about a second cancellation.
One comment reads: "Well enough to play two shows in London and one in the Netherlands, but just can’t seem to shake a cold to get to Leeds."
Whilst another disappointed fan commented: "He’s not ill guys! Obviously not a knock on the lovely folks at project house, but that’s a bullshit reason he and his team have come up with for insurance purposes!"
Leeds comedy club announce first ever family-friendly comedy show
Clementine Hall
The Glee Club is giving families a brand-new way to spend their weekends with the launch of a new comedy experience for the whole family.
If you're looking for a new way to spend time with the whole family, then look no further.
The Glee Club is bringing a monthly family-friendly comedy show to the city that will deliver laughs for children, parents, and grandparents alike.
Featuring some of the UK's best family comedians, each two-hour lunchtime show will showcase a mix of British and international acts who specialise in entertaining audiences of all ages.
Image: Supplied
Every performance will feature age-appropriate comedy, ensuring parents, children and grandparents can all enjoy the experience together.
The line-up on Sunday 18 October includes acclaimed performers Steffan Alun, Mat Ricardo and Kirsty Newton.
The Glee Club founder Mark Tughan said: “We’re so excited to bring family-friendly comedy to Leeds for the first time. These shows will bring the same quality entertainment Glee Club is known for but to a whole new younger audience.
“We’ve always believed comedy is best enjoyed live, and these shows are all about creating a fun, welcoming experience that the whole family can enjoy together, and where parents can finally enjoy live stand-up without needing to arrange a babysitter.”
For a limited time, guests can book the new family shows with a half price discount in The Glee Club summer sale. Find out more and book your tickets here.
So grab your tickets, rally the family together and get ready to laugh your socks off at The Glee Club.
Emily Sergeant -
5th January 2023 
