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Closed Block legislation to privatise the BBC and Channel 4

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Sir Christopher Chope MP (Conservative, Christchurch) has tabled a Private Members Bill, the Public Service Broadcasters (Privatisation) Bill, which would provide for the privatisation of the BBC and Channel 4. The Government should block this legislation.

The BBC and Channel 4 have been at the heart of British TV, Radio and News for generations. In an age of fake news and misinformation, we need our public service broadcasters like never before.

News and current affairs programming (especially local) would likely be unprofitable for a commercial broadcaster, so would be the first casualty of privatisation.

Privatising these broadcasters would leave the UK with no broadcaster accountable to the public or responsible for covering local affairs.

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  • Related activity

    Share your views on the potential change of ownership of Channel 4 with the Government

    On 6 July, the Government launched a public consultation on the potential change of ownership of the Channel 4 Television Corporation ("Channel 4"), a topic relevant to the petition you signed.

    The Government has stated that it "is now considering changes to the operating model of Channel 4, including its ownership and its remit and obligations, to ensure it has the best chance of future success. This takes into account the challenges to the future of linear TV broadcasting, ensuring Channel 4’s future sustainability as a public service broadcaster (PSB) and putting it in the best position to innovate and grow".

    Find out more, and share your views and experience with the Government here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-change-of-ownership-of-channel-4-television-corporation

    The consultation closes on at 11.45pm on 14 September 2021.

  • Petition closed

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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 19 July 2021.