UK government plan to sell Channel 4 draws criticism

The British government faced a backlash from opponents and the television industry on Tuesday over plans to sell publicly-owned broadcaster Channel 4.

The Conservative government said privatizing the channel would help it compete with streaming services and “thrive in the face of a rapidly-changing media landscape.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said on Twitter that government ownership was “holding Channel 4 back from competing against streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon.”

But critics say privatization will wreck a channel that has backed acclaimed shows such as “Black Mirror” and “Derry Girls,” as well as highly regarded news and documentary programs.

Channel 4 was founded in 1982 to make programs for audiences under-served by existing broadcasters. It is owned by the government, but funded through advertising.

The broadcaster said it was disappointed by the government’s decision, saying it had been made without “recognizing the significant public interest concerns which have been raised.”