Channel 4 could merge with BBC worldwide
There are serious concerns that Channel 4 is on the brink of going into bankruptcy and a merger with BBC worldwide is seriously being considered by the television regulators. This is a move which has shocked many in the media market who while aware of the troubles of Channel 4 had not expect a potential merger with BBC worldwide to be added to the mix.
If the merger was to go ahead it would be possibly the most controversial move in the recent history of UK TV and there are potential implications for the licence fee with Channel 4 in need of a financial lifeline. Whether the UK government would be willing to tear up current competition regulations in the TV sector remains to be seen but the owners of Channel 4 appear to have lost all hope and are looking for an exit route.
The next few weeks will be vital for Channel 4 as TV advertising revenue continues to come under pressure and the group's parent company appears unwilling or unable to inject further capital into the business. There is also some concern about the differing cultures of BBC worldwide and Channel 4, a company which has attracted more than its fair share of controversy over the years.
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