The government is moving ahead with proposals to privatise Channel 4 and has launched an industry consultation on its future sale.
Since its launch in 1982, the broadcaster has been a commercially-funded and publicly-owned venture, with all profits being reinvested into programming.
The issue of whether to privatise Channel 4 has been on the table for the past two decades but now culture secretary Oliver Dowden is taking steps to make it a realistic possibility.
In the consultation document issued today, Dowden wrote: "This is 2021, not 1982 - and the broadcasting landscape has changed beyond recognition. Increased global competition and changing audience habits pose challenges to linear TV broadcasters, including Channel 4."
He added: "It is our current view, to be tested through this consultation, that a new ownership model for Channel 4 would be the best means of ensuring its future success and sustainability as a public service broadcaster and its continued contribution to the UK's creative industries."
The consultation remains open until the middle of September, with the government expected to outline the next steps of its plan later in the year.
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