Ministers said last year that privatization would help secure Channel 4’s future as a public service broadcaster.
The broadcaster, however, has opposed such a move, saying there is no evidence that a private Channel 4 show would be able to better meet its remittance to provide challenging and unique programming for less served viewers by competitors.
Channel 4 said in a statement on Monday that it was disappointed that the government had not formally recognized the important public interest concerns raised.
It showed that it could launch “many favorite programs from independent sectors across the UK that represent and celebrate every aspect of British life as well as increase its contribution to society while maintaining public ownership”, it says.
In an email widely published on Twitter, Chief Executive Alex Mahn told staff that the broadcaster had presented a vision for his future that was “rooted in unrestricted public interest”.
However, he added that in the end it was owned by the government would be proposed and Parliament would decide.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sports said the culture secretary had reached a decision and was now consulting with the minister’s colleagues.
“We want Channel 4 to improve and improve in the face of a rapidly changing media landscape,” a spokesman said. “It holds a cherished place in our broadcast landscape and we want it to continue.”
