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

Last Updated

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would create the legal framework to privatised the BBC and Channel 4. It describes how the privatisation could be carried out and what changes to ownership, governance and funding might follow. It would require further parliamentary approval before any privatisation could happen.

Key Points

Proposes privatisation of the BBC and Channel 4.
Sets out the process for sale, including transfer of assets, staff and governance arrangements.
Addresses potential impacts on funding, public service commitments and regulatory oversight.
Would require further parliamentary approval; if progressed, it would move through the usual stages for detailed scrutiny.

Progress

Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; if the bill progresses, it would typically move to committee stage for detailed examination.

Who is affected?

BBC staff and contractorsChannel 4 staff and contractorsBBC and Channel 4 viewers and audiencesLicence payers (BBC) and advertising customers (Channel 4)Suppliers and service providers to the broadcastersTrade unions and staff associationsGovernment and regulators involved in broadcasting

Generated 21 February 2026

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.

Public Service Broadcasters (Privatisation) Bill | TrackPolitics