British TV heavyweights Steve McQueen, Stephen Lambert and others use the BAFTA TV Awards platform to passionately argue against Channel 4’s privatization

Some of the UK’s biggest stars and creators launched a passionate defense of Channel 4 at the BAFTA TV Awards tonight, on privatization a UK government decision.

Great names from 12 years a slave Developer Steve McQueen, along with Lambert studio founder Stephen Lambert and comedy host Moe Gilligan, used their BAFTA-winning speeches to support the network and criticize the government’s decision.

McQueen, who became the owner of the best facts series for the BBC documentary Rebellion, “The BBC and Channel 4 are something we have to hold on to and fight to the last inch,” he said passionately.

Lambert, whose production company created the network’s biggest hits, including come to dinner with me Y cups, Those who won for Reality & Construed Factual described the government measure as a “destructive plan”.

“If the government pushes ahead with its plan to sell Channel 4, much of what makes television good will end for no apparent reason,” added the pioneering creator of the British format.

Late last month, the government released a landmark White Paper confirming it will continue to sell Channel 4. Since then, the broadcaster has struggled with its rejected alternative proposal, which was handed over to Boris Johnson Conservatives in February. The sale is expected to bring the government to around 11 billion (US $ 1.2 billion) but could have a huge impact on the country’s burgeoning manufacturing sector, as Channel 4 will be able to keep the rights to its programs for the first time, disrupting the ecosystem that currently exists. It ensures that producers keep them.

Elsewhere, Channel 4’s top talent like Gilligan have praised the public broadcaster.

“Channel 4 trusted me and allowed me to be myself and bring joy to the black man on our screens,” said Gilligan, who won. Evening show with Mo Gilligan. “Thanks. I appreciate it. “

Comedy creator and actor Jamie Demetriu, who won the third BAFTA for Channel 4’s cult comedy. Stath leaves apartments, He used his speech to greet the network for the opportunity for him. “I never would have done it without you,” she added.

The Channel 4 security team was launched last night by BAFTA Chairman Krishnendu Majumdar, who used his opening remarks for the British public broadcasting industry, which were, of course, coded comments on the government’s decision to sell.

Majumdar said: “Public television is one of the foundations of distinction and independence of thought in this country.

“Mark Rylans took to this stage six years ago and said, ‘We are a nation of storytellers, we are excited about this around the world … and woe to any government or company that interferes with this! His words now carry more weight than ever. The time has come for the industry to unite and stand up for the protection of the public broadcasting service. “