Government officials told Channel 4 to delete parts of annual report 'at odds' with privatisation

The annual report was ultimately published without changes and showed the Leeds-based broadcaster’s

“Some of the language in the report seems at odds with the Government’s clear position and the reassurances we have had from the board and management that you are open to working with us. Two references in Sir Ian’s statement about Channel 4’s long-term sustainability were also highlighted. DCMS also sought the removal of a later mention in the notes of the report about the legislative process being “lengthy”.One passage from Ms Mahon which DCMS wanted to be removed read: “In our engagement with Government, we proposed a vision for the next 40 years of Channel 4, which we were confident would allow us to build on the successes of the first 40.

The first read: “But ultimately, the ownership of Channel 4 is for Government to propose and Parliament to decide.” The Government feedback on this sentence read: “Could imply C4 isn’t going to cooperate on privatisation. Suggest either delete sentence or addition to say ‘management’s focus remains on engaging with government and delivering the Future4 strategy and our public service remit’.”

She also told the hearing that the view about the sustainability of the broadcaster in its current guise was one shared by the independent auditor. Deloitte was appointed to audit the report, with the approval of DCMS. A DCMS spokesperson said today the new details becoming public did not change that position."These documents simply back up what we have already said publically, that during the normal process of discussion we highlighted that some language in Channel 4's report could be interpreted as going against the corporation's commitment, given to both officials and ministers, to refrain from campaigning against privatisation.

Who leaked this out? 😁

Can’t see her surviving the cabinet reshuffle!

What an evil woman….

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