C4 ‘would sell HQ to beat privatisation’

CHANNEL 4 bosses yesterday published their alternative strategy to privatisation with the objective of becoming ‘northern-based’.

The broadcaster also suggested it could be prepared to offload its £100million headquarters in central London to help scupper the planned sale by the Government.

In a ‘commitment to levelling up’, it would double the original target for 300 roles outside the capital by 2023 to 600 by 2025. Most staff could be based at a ‘national HQ’ in Leeds as well as at bases in Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester.

Other plans include launching the All4 streaming service on international markets and commitments to spending a significant proportion of money outside London. There is also a proposal for a joint venture with an external investor to develop British content.

Channel 4 also revealed yesterday that – for the first time – it had achieved more than £1billion in annual revenues. The Government, which has rejected Channel 4’s plans, gave the go-ahead for privatisation last week.