Grierson Trust warns C4 ‘societal value’ at risk from sale

Grierson Trust chair Lorraine Heggessey has warned Channel 4’s “societal value” is at risk if it is sold to a private owner.

In the first submission to emerge to the DCMS consultation process, which closes at midnight tonight (14 September), former BBC1 controller Heggessey credited C4 for its role in making British documentary-makers world-renowned.

“This societal value of Channel 4 is at risk in a for-profit model if ratings and profits to shareholders are prioritised above these other metrics,” said Heggessey.

In its four-page letter, co-signed by Grierson managing director Jane Callaghan, the government was urged to protect and enhance C4’s remit which is “critical for the UK’s thriving documentary industry” in the event of a sale.

“It is critical that the conditions of any sale are explicit and measurable in order to ensure that these core values which make a large contribution to the sustainability and growth of the UK’s creative sector are retained,” the pair wrote.

The submission considered C4’s role in three key areas.

Its investment in the nations and regions was highlighted as having proved “hugely beneficial for the documentary sector in bringing a range of stories, perspectives and voices to the screen”, and contributing to the fact that 64% of Grierson DocLab trainees are based outside of London.

C4’s trainee production scheme and factual initiatives aimed at those in the early stages of their career, such as its First Cuts strand, was also referenced alongside and its work with the NFTS to support female directors.

“Providing a vital talent pipeline for the sector and a way in for newcomers to the industry,” the submission said.

Finally, the response called for C4’s obligation to order diverse and unrepresented stories to be protected.

“Its current role and remit as a PSB mean that its metrics for success go way beyond simply measuring viewing figures, which allows Channel 4 to commission riskier programming, providing a platform for innovation as well as for complex and specialist pieces.”

The Trust highlighted factual programming including The Undateables, Hair Power: Me and My Afro and Ramadan in Lockdown.

It concluded by asking the government for its “assurance that these attributes will be protected and enhanced whatever the future shape of Channel 4.”