Netflix or Amazon could take over Channel 4, said culture minister John Whittingdale yesterday after the Government announced it would launch a consultation into the privatisation of the network.
The ex-culture secretary said it is 'sensible to look at alternative ownership models' and did not 'by any means rule out' the public service broadcaster being acquired by a streaming giant.
Meanwhile, Channel 4 presenter Kirstie Allsopp, who co-hosts Location, Location, Location, has railed against the sell-off plan, saying the network 'does not take a penny off the Government'.
Supporters of Channel 4 have suggested that the sale comes after repeated attacks from senior Tories who consider their output left-wing, and suggest the process is politically-motivated to stifle a critical voice of the Government.
Channel 4 has also been criticised by Conservatives who complain that some of its output is biased against the Tories, leading to suspicions that there is a political motivation behind the Government's move.
John Whittingdale said he did not 'by any means rule out' Channel 4 being acquired by a streaming giant (left: Elisabeth Moss playing June in C4's The Handmaid's Tale and right: Jennifer Metcalfe as Mercedes McQueen in Hollyoaks, which is also aired on the network)
Channel 4 presenter Kirstie Allsopp (above), who co-hosts Location, Location, Location, has railed against the sell-off plan, saying the network 'does not take a penny off the Government'
Mr Whittingdale told Times Radio: 'What we've said is that we think that it is sensible to look at alternative ownership models, in order to make sure that Channel 4 is still able to invest in programme content, to compete with these other services.
'In terms of who might potentially be interested, that's the purpose of having a government consultation. We don't rule out anyone.
'There would be competition issues if a very strongly established broadcaster wanted to merge, and that's something which automatically is a matter of competition, but I don't by any means rule out existing streaming services or indeed anybody else. We'll wait and see what happens.'
He added that the Government was concerned over the network's business model coming under intensifying pressure due to its reliance on advertising.
However, Ms Allsopp tweeted: '@Channel4 does not take a penny off the Government, but it is a public service broadcaster.
'Someone said “we don’t need 2 public service broadcasters” I agree, we need 3, the more TV that is for the public the better. Innovative, brave, compassionate broadcasting is what we do.'
In a separate tweet posted on Wednesday evening, she wrote: 'Did a couple of interviews today making the case against privatising @Channel4.
'I was amazed by the kindness of other broadcasters and their belief in C4. Margaret Thatcher set it up to do a job, it does it brilliantly. No true @Conservatives would raise a hand to harm Channel 4.'
Mr Whittingdale, above, added that the Government was concerned over the network's business model coming under intensifying pressure due to its reliance on advertising
