We have a duty to ensure C4 survives

We must be clear-sighted about Channel 4.It was - and is - the genius creation in British broadcasting.

With its unique model of publicly owned, commercially funded production, the big idea underpinning Channel 4 is that profit is re-invested in production. It does so at no significant cost to the public purse. Along with the BBC, it is the brilliant twin sister of British broadcasting.

In other words, Channel 4 has, for almost two generations, been a net contributor to the creative capital of UK PLC. It has helped make British broadcasting the envy of the world. For a very long time it has been the best in the world of its type.

In its 40 years Channel 4 has launched hundreds if not thousands of new independent production companies (being supplied almost exclusively by independent production companies from across the UK).

Its founding by Margaret Thatcher’s government led to the rapid growth of the UK independent production sector - something that barely existed before the Channel’s launch back in 1982 - and its success cascaded down to tens of thousands of creatives.

Many of those independent companies that were enabled by Channel 4 went on to become the largest and most admired on the planet, joining and creating media empires and leading to the evolution of what have become internationally competitive super-indies.

“Let’s be clear - Channel 4 and privatisation are contradictions in terms”

The Channel’s unique remit to be youth focused, innovative and risk-taking makes it a natural hothouse of creativity, and as such it is more prepared and future proofed than any other UK broadcaster. So many innovations in the craft of television production were seen first on Channel 4.

With its progressive culture, it understood before others the importance of the drive towards diversity and regionality in on-screen representation and supply at all levels. Its news and current affairs are the independent minded guardian of journalistic integrity in broadcasting. And it can still be better.

So let’s be clear - Channel 4 and privatisation are contradictions in terms. Ultimately the Channel is accountable to the public - something that is incompatible with privatisation. The genius child of British broadcasting would be killed off at the moment of privatisation - and at a time when it is needed most.

It would become, classically, a conflict of interest. We all ‘own’ Channel 4 and we all should take a view. It can be better of course. But it can still be among the best in the world. 

If Channel 4 is privatised, the genius idea is gone forever. Whether in Belfast, Birmingham or Brixton, one of the most important pipelines for new entrants into the broadcasting mainstream will be cut off at source.

The independent production sector will lose a key influence on renewal and re-imagination. We have a duty to the creatives and entrepreneurs that come after us to make sure that Channel 4 survives.

• Dermot Lavery, managing director of DoubleBand Films