Two people with direct knowledge said the BBC and Channel 4 have discussed combining some commercial operations, including a possible joint venture with UKTV. Both broadcasters declined to confirm a deal.
Britain's BBC and Channel 4 have held preliminary talks with the government about a broader tie-up of some operations, two people with direct knowledge told Reuters on Wednesday. One option would combine Channel 4's advertising operations, channels including E4 and Film4, and its video-on-demand services with UKTV, a commercial subsidiary of the BBC.
The people said a merged entity could be owned equally by the BBC and Channel 4, and would go further than an earlier idea, raised by BBC director general Matt Brittin, to put Channel 4 content on iPlayer. The Channel 4 flagship channel would not be in the venture under discussion, they said, and could receive fees from it. The talks involve UK Government Investments.
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on the report and said the corporation believes more collaboration among public-service broadcasters is vital. Channel 4 said it would not comment on speculation, welcomed greater collaboration, and noted an existing commercial relationship that includes ad sales for UKTV. UKGI declined to comment.
Reuters said the talks could intensify next year depending on progress toward a new BBC funding deal. The BBC said in June it would cut 550 jobs as part of a plan to save 500 million pounds over three years. Channel 4 said last month it would cut about 340 jobs. Those job figures are from earlier announcements, not new cuts disclosed on Wednesday.
No agreement was announced. The item is preliminary discussion, as described by the two sources.
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- A BBC spokesperson said increased collaboration between public-service broadcasters is vital.
- Channel 4 said working together can strengthen impact, innovation and sustainability in UK broadcasting.