Channel 4 Sale: U.K. TV, Media Unions Issue Joint Letter Opposing Privatization

variety.com:

K.J. Yossman The U.K.’s most prominent television and film unions have issued a joint letter opposing the privatization of public service broadcaster Channel 4.The Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU), which is comprised of crew union Bectu, performing arts union Equity, the National Union of Journalists, the Musicians’ Union and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, together represents over 120,000 creative workers in the U.K.In a letter to U.K.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who is spearheading the privatization of Channel 4, the FEU wrote: “we strongly oppose this decision and urge you to reconsider the sale of a much-loved, highly successful cultural asset.”“It’s difficult to understand the decision to insist on selling off such a profitable network.

The economic argument for privatisation, including the assertion that ‘a change of ownership will give Channel 4 the tools and freedom to flourish and thrive’, simply doesn’t stand up – Channel 4 is demonstrably already thriving on its own.

In 2021 it reported a surplus of £101 million [$1.2 million], and is a strong force for economic growth, boosting skills, creating jobs and stimulating growth across the creative industries.” The letter also cites research from analysts at Ernst and Young LPP who have found if the sale of Channel 4 goes ahead, the U.K.