On 2nd November 1982, at 4:40 pm, Scottish television presenter Paul Coia made an announcement that would change British television forever; “Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to be able to say to you: Welcome to Channel Four”.

While the plans for a fourth independent television channel were originally devised in 1977, under the Callaghan Administration, it wouldn’t be until 1982 under Margaret Thatcher that these plans were put into motion, bringing us Channel Four and the Welsh equivalent, S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru/Channel Four Wales). Since its inception, we’ve seen channels branch off from Channel Four, including but not limited to 4Music, E4, More4, Film4, and a streaming platform in the form of All4. As of late, there’s been a lot of talk from the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport regarding selling Channel Four, justifying it with the claim that doing so would make it “more competitive”, in comparison to competitors such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. This is despite the fact that Channel Four is, first and foremost, a broadcaster and not a streaming platform.

While Channel Four doesn’t create its own content, it plays a pivotal role in providing opportunities and platforms to independent production companies. From Dispatches to Friday Night Live, Brass Eye, Brookside, 24 Hours in A&E, the “Educating” series; these are shows that were experimental and different from what other providers were and are offering. Channel Four isn’t just “independent television” in the sense of its ownership, but in the spirit of the word too. And, of course, we can’t forget its unique ownership and funding situation. While being publicly owned, its funding comes from advertisement revenue; a cooperative approach towards the running of Channel Four between the public and private sectors.

This is why it’s puzzling to hear Nadine Dorries talk of the privatisation of Channel Four as a “relief” upon the taxpayer. She has justified selling off the much-loved broadcaster as if doing so is to remove a burden. If it costs the government next-to-nothing to run, and all that is required of them is ownership, then why privatise it? I believe this is nothing more than a political decision, placing ideology above pragmatism and common sense.

So, the question remains: where does Channel Four go from here? What is the fate of Channel Four? I believe we should support The Cooperative Party’s motion to transition Channel Four towards mutual ownership. In my opinion, this would not only be a major win for independent television, but also for the cooperative and mutual sector.

We must keep Channel Four free and open to everyone, not locked away behind a paywall.

Please sign and share the Coop Party’s petition to protect Channel Four!

https://party.coop/channel4

* Jack Meredith is a member of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and an active campaigner and canvasser with Swansea and Gower Liberal Democrats. His writing focuses on democratic reform, social justice, trade unionism, economic democracy, and the institutional foundations of effective government. He has written for the Fabians, Lib Dem Voice, Liberator, Nation Cymru, Bylines Cymru, and Centre Think Tank.