UK entertainment unions have come out to express “concern” about the UK government’s plans to sell Channel 4 and have called for it to be reconsidered.
The Federation of Entertainment Associations, which represents over 120,000 creative workers in the UK, wrote to Nadine Doris, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, expressing “deep concern” about the government’s decision to sell. Channel 4. is state owned but generates income commercially,
The sale was rejected by most media professionals in the UK and many saw it as an ideological rather than an economic move. The ruling conservative party says Channel 4 should be sold to secure its financial future and compete with global streamers.
Philippa Childs, FEU chairman and director of Bectu, said: “Channel 4 isn’t really costing UK taxpayers, but it does offer us a thriving independent manufacturing sector, thousands of jobs and world-renowned innovative content.
“The sale of this hugely popular and fully autonomous public broadcaster will be a major blow to the creative industries, which have been hit hardest by the pandemic and continue to suffer from a chronic skill shortage, with far-reaching implications for broadcasts in the Kingdom. United. . Scenario. “
The letter cites an analysis by Ernst & Young that suggests that creative industries will be worse off by 2.2 billion ($ 2.4 billion) through privatized channel 4, that 2,400 jobs will be at risk, and that as many as 60 manufacturing companies will be at risk. closure. .
The FEU joins the cacophony of voices in the British media opposing the sale, with many believing its sale will be a death sentence for the many small and medium-sized producers who rely on Channel 4’s commissions.
The FEU comprises the Actors Guild Equity, the National Union of Journalists, the Musicians Union and the British Writers Guild.
Read the full letter here.
We are writing a government proposal to privatize Channel 4. As the United Nations, which is the UK’s creative workforce, we strongly oppose this decision and urge you to reconsider the sale of a hugely successful and popular cultural asset.
Channel 4 is a smash hit story, constantly pushing the boundaries of entertaining and inspiring news for UK audiences. This success builds on the current model, which supports a thriving independent manufacturing sector and offers commissioners a degree of risk and creativity that the viewing community will benefit from.
It’s not just quality content that proves its worth: the numbers speak for themselves. The issuer’s unique powers allow it to directly invest £ 12.12 billion in UK manufacturing, creating 10,000 jobs in the supply chain, one-third of them in countries and regions.
It is a fully self-contained broadcaster that returns 100 percent of its revenue to the organization at no cost to the taxpayer. After 40 years of public ownership, we are surprised that the government now wants to prioritize shareholder interests over public service.
It is difficult to understand the decision to insist on selling such a profitable network. The economic argument for privatization, including the claim that “a change of ownership will give Channel 4 the tools and the freedom to thrive and thrive,” simply doesn’t hold up: Channel 4 is clearly already thriving on its own. In 2021 it announced a surplus of 101,101 million and is a powerful force for economic growth, enhancing skills, creating jobs and stimulating growth in the creative industries.
It invests heavily in the UK’s major film and television sectors and supports independent production across the country, producing assets for popular TV shows such as Derry Girls, It’s a Sin and Gogglebox. The UK’s world-class reputation for film and television production is key to achieving our global ambitions in the UK and raising the bar for governance. Channel 4’s unique power allows it to risk independent products that wouldn’t be guaranteed with a proprietary model.
Any changes to Channel 4’s screen are likely to affect the UK’s indigenous film industry and the sale or closure of Film4, with an annual budget of მილი 25 million, will have a devastating effect on the UK film industry, as Channel 4 spends the most in the UK. One more film than any other UK broadcaster.
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
.jpg "Trailer for the comedy Rapid in Rapid California King with Jimmy Tatro, Travis Bennett, Victoria Justice and Joel MCHale")
