BBC To Fund Channel 4 Digital Switchover

The BBC is to fund Channel 4's switch to digital it has been announced.
The recent BBC licence fee settlement included provision to meet Channel 4's switchover costs to help it meet its public service remit as the channel does not get direct government subsidy.
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell addressing leading members of the television industry at the Royal Television Society in London said she wanted to see the channel's "important role as key source of public service competition continue."
Jowell said that the channel, reported to be facing funding difficulties, will be given £14 million over the next six years, with the money coming from licence fee payments.
This is the first time money from the licence fee has been given to a broadcaster other than the BBC.
The growth of digital television means that Channel 4 is no longer in the strong position it held when it was launched in 1982.
Ofcom has acknowledge the challenges faced by the channel in the short term and has criticised the recent racism controversy in reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
Channel 4 Chief Executive Andy Duncan is said to be "delighted" the channel's switchover costs would be met. This will also put back propositions for the independent to be privatised.
However, Jowell warned that Channel 4's performance would be "closely monitored," after the Big Brother racism row and the controversy over pictures shown in 'Diana: The Witnesses In The Tunnel' which prompted 104 post-broadcast complaints to Channel 4 and media watchdog Ofcom.
The Culture Secretary also said that she was sure Channel 4 had a role to play in public service broadcasting commenting: "Channel 4 has always been at it s strongest when it has closely adhered to it s public purpose: innovative, educational, distinctive, and appealing to diverse audiences."
(DS)