- New freedoms for Channel 4 to make and own content included in the Media Bill, introduced today
- New safeguards for UK's world-leading TV programme makers, including requirement on Channel 4 to commission more shows from independent producers
- Part of government plans to grow the creative industries by £50bn and expand Britain's pipeline of TV talent
The UK's world-renowned TV production industry will benefit from a package of new safeguards as the government proceeds with reforms - including via the Media Bill introduced in Parliament today - to support Channel 4's long-term sustainability.
Earlier this year the government committed to giving Channel 4 the ability via the Media Bill to make and own some of its content. In the event Channel 4 takes advantage of these new freedoms, new safeguards for production companies set out today would protect millions of pounds of investment in programmes made by independent TV producers across the UK, as the proportion of programmes the broadcaster is required to commission from these companies will increase from 25 per cent to 35 per cent.
Ofcom will also be given new duties to review how Channel 4 uses new freedoms to make and own its content, should it choose to do so, as part of plans to ensure the wider sector is not unduly impacted.
Independent production companies are a key part of our thriving creative industries and the government are keen to maximise their potential through these changes. The government's Creative Industries Sector Vision details our plan to grow the creative industries by £50 billion and create one million extra jobs by 2030, whilst supporting a talent pipeline that will continue to support one of the best TV industries in the world.
Minister
