The BBC and Channel 4 should join forces to combat the threat from the likes of YouTube and Netflix, according to creative industries minister Ian Murray.
Murray suggested that the two broadcasters should form “deeper and more strategic partnerships”, adding that a failure to act could lead to inevitable cuts.
His comments follow previous reports that in 2024, the BBC and Channel 4 had held initial discussions to explore a potential merger.
According to The Times, Murray has written to Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes, and Sarah Cardell, the chief executive of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). “Our [public service] providers, alongside other broadcasters, are having to contend with rapid technological advances and changing audience viewing habits in an increasingly competitive and fragmented market.”
“We believe there could be significant benefits to public service media providers pursuing deeper and more strategic partnerships,” added Murray.
It’s thought that any such partnership would be viewed favourably by the CMA due to the changing landscape of the UK’s television industry.
