Public Service Broadcasters (Privatisation) Bill

A Bill to make provision for the privatisation of the British Broadcasting Corporation and Channel 4; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Parliament last updated

19 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would privatised the BBC and Channel 4 and set out how the sales would take place and related changes. It proposes transferring these public broadcasters into private ownership and the rules around that process. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Proposes privatisation and sale of the BBC and Channel 4.
Sets out the process, terms and related arrangements for privatisation.
Applies to public service broadcasters and related purposes.
Introduced in the House of Commons by Sir Christopher Chope (Conservative MP).
First reading occurred on 5 September 2017; currently at the second reading stage in the Commons.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; no further stages have been completed.

Who is affected?

BBC staff and managementChannel 4 staff and managementLicence fee payers / the general publicTV viewers and audiences

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

5 Sept 2017

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Public Service Broadcasters (Privatisation)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.