LOCAL figures have spoken out against plans to privatise Channel 4, arguing that the platform promotes economic growth in Bradford, West Yorkshire and beyond.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, both want Channel 4 – which brought its headquarters to Leeds in 2021 – to remain in public hands.

They argued that it has helped to create jobs in the region and has also championed diversity in the media.

Speaking yesterday, Tracy Brabin said: “There are many compelling reasons for Channel 4 to remain in public hands and in Parliament today, we saw the Government’s own MPs and senior Conservative politicians backing these.

“In recent weeks, we’ve heard voices from across the political spectrum united with industry experts, all stressing that the economic argument for privatisation just doesn’t stand up.

“Channel 4 is a commercial success and costs the taxpayer nothing. It has a highly robust financial position and last reported an annual surplus of £74 million.

“Channel 4 is not only a creative powerhouse but also an engine for economic growth, driving an ecosystem of new businesses and jobs. It boosts skills in the broadcasting sector and stimulates growth for us all.”

Ms Brabin added that the channel is of particular importance to West Yorkshire.

“The broadcaster’s decision to bring its headquarters to Leeds created 200 jobs and brought a wealth of investment into our incredible creative sector”, she said.

“We know that the big streaming services see public sector broadcasting, and Channel 4, not as a challenger, but as a necessary part of the whole ecosystem and a seedbed for talent.

“Channel 4 is owned by every one of us. It should not be privatised, and I’ll continue to make the case for it to remain in public hands.”

Naz Shah MP expressed similar views.

Speaking in Parliament, Ms Shah said: “Ampere Analysis says that privatisation would put independent production companies out of business.

“As the Member of Parliament for Bradford West, Channel 4 in Leeds makes a real difference to diversity, especially in news channels and in journalism as a whole.

“Can the Minister assure me that if we go down that road and they privatise it, the buyer will be required to maintain the presence and trajectory of workforce growth in Channel 4’s regional offices in Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol and Manchester?