Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, says the British government has handled the internal proposal “wisely and sensibly”.

Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon praised the “smart and sensible” UK culture secretary for the charge against privatization and revealing plans to allow the network to produce programs itself, a government idea.

Speaking to Deadline, just hours after Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives confirmed that Channel 4 would remain in public hands, Mahon said the government “thinks it is important to accept the internal proposal” to give Channel 4 the rights to broadcast its programs produce and own. For the first time.

The plan has already proved controversial, with UK independent trade organization Pact saying it was “disappointed” at a move that takes away rights and money from its membership base of hundreds of British producers.

Mahon stressed that Channel 4’s alternative privatization proposal – unveiled last year amid claims that a sale would cost the UK economy £3 billion ($3.6 billion) over a decade – did not include what was included in the “Government’s sustainability package for the future was outlined. on Kanal 4 today. , including his own plan.

‘It was not in the [initial] package we drafted, but the government felt it was important to legislate,” she added. “For us, it is important that the industry is involved and that the work is done well.”

Responding to Pact’s comments, Mahon said: “The indie sector is the spiritual heart of Channel 4 and our success and their success are intertwined. We are working closely with Pact and want to ensure that there are no unintended consequences for the industry.”

Work is now starting to internalize Channel 4, but Mahon said the government would consult with the indie sector and prepare proposals before putting them to him glasses case Network. The proposals must also be transposed into UK law.

The government’s “sustainability package” also includes more investment in skills and more jobs moving out of London, along with a £200m ($240m) increase in the credit limit, which Mahon says will “give us flexibility in times of recession”.

The government package made no mention of the sale of Channel 4’s Horseferry Road headquarters in London and Mahon denied these reports. “Rumors [of a sale] appears in the press from time to time, but there is no basis for it, we actually brought them all back,” she added.

However, Channel 4’s alternative privatization proposal suggested “streamlining our presence in London by creating a new London base that reflects our new way of working”.

“Smart and Reasonable”

While Mahon’s relationship with Nadine Dorries, the former British culture secretary who championed privatisation, has been rocky at times, she praised Dorrie’s “clever and sensible” successor, Michelle Donelan, and her Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

“What’s important is that she looked at it in detail and took a thoughtful, sensible approach,” says Mahon, who has seen seven culture ministers come and go during her five years at the station.

“She understands what makes us sustainable and that you need a different voice in the market. The kind of shows we do – Prince Andrew: The Musical, Putin: A Russian Spy Story and dramas like I am Ruth – is nowhere else and we have the opportunity to challenge.