BBC Worldwide in talks over C4 rescue bid

Posted by Dominic Ponsford on 18 December 2008 at 10:43
Tags: Broadcast, Consumer Magazines, Magazines, Television

Channel 4 is in talks with the BBC’s commercial division BBC Worldwide over a major tie-up, the FT reports.

The future of state-owned broadcaster Channel 4 is in doubt as TV goes digital, and the benefits of having a terrestrial broadcasting licence evaporate.

The FT reports today that Worldwide (which includes the BBC’s massive mags division) is in talks to rescue C4 with up to £500m of investment.

Under the plan, the FT reports, parts of BBC Worldwide would be split off, rebranded and combined with Channel 4.

It is a plan which would have the benefit of providing BBC Worldwide with a raison d’etre as it increasingly comes under fire from commercial media for what they see as unfair competition.

And in the increasingly fragmented media future - joint ventures could be the pathway to survival for many.

Tags: Broadcast, Consumer Magazines, Magazines, Television