Channel 4 privatisation mooted

Could Film4's working model be under threat?

by Jennie Kermode

Upcoming Film4 release Suffragette
Upcoming Film4 release Suffragette

Its filmmaking wing, Film4, has been behind international hits from Trainspotting to 12 Years A Slave, but could Film4 now be facing changes? A recent leak has revealed that the UK government is considering privatising its parent company, Channel 4.

The leak came when freelance photographer Steve Black managed to photograph documents being carelessly carried by a government official, revealing an agreement that "work should proceed to explore the options for extracting greater public value from Channel 4... focusing on privatisation options in particular."

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said in a statement that it has made no decisions regarding the future of the channel. Channel 4 has defended it not-for profit-model. It recently emphasised its ongoing commitment to investing in first-time filmmakers in the UK and to developing short films, often a first step into the industry.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film