Rishi Sunak ditches plan to privatise Channel 4, government confirms

Culture secretary Michelle Donelan hails ‘British success story’ as U-turn announced

Channel 4 will not be privatised (PA)

Rishi Sunak’s government has scrapped plans to privatise Channel 4 and the broadcaster will remain in public ownership, culture secretary Michelle Donelan has confirmed.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said the decision was made following discussions with both C4 and the independent production sector.

The Media Bill will now include reforms allowing Channel 4 to make and own its content, and a new statutory duty on the board to “protect” the long-term sustainability of the business.