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Ministers said last year that privatisation
would help secure Channel 4's future as a public service
broadcaster.
The broadcaster, however, has fought such a move, saying there
was no evidence to show that a privatised Channel 4 would be
able to better fulfil its remit to provide challenging and
distinctive programming for audiences under-served by rivals.
Channel 4 said in a statement on Monday it was disappointed the
government had not formally recognised the significant public
interest concerns which had been raised.
It had demonstrated it could "continue to commission much-loved
programmes from the independent sector across the UK that
represent and celebrate every aspect of British life as well as
increase its contribution to society, while maintaining
ownership by the public", it said.
Chief Executive Alex Mahon told staff in an email widely
published on Twitter that the broadcaster had presented a vision
for its future that was "rooted in continued public ownership".
However, she added that ultimately its ownership was for the
government to propose and parliament to decide.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the culture
secretary had come to a decision and was now consulting with
ministerial colleagues.
"We want Channel 4 to flourish and thrive in the face of a
rapidly-changing media landscape," a spokesperson said. "It
holds a cherished place in our broadcasting landscape and we
want that to remain the case."
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by Grant McCool)
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