Channel 4 annual report : third report of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

Channel 4 is a unique broadcaster in the UK. Publicly owned, it is a statutory corporation, without shareholders, established and regulated under successive Broadcasting and Communication Acts.

It generates all of its revenues in the commercial marketplace but is not-for-profit, its principal focus being the fulfillment of its statutory public service broadcasting (PSB) remit.

Channel 4 is required to lay before Parliament an Annual Report of its financial accounts and performance.

However, concerns have been expressed that the channel lacks accountability and external scrutiny.

This report covers the Committee's session in response to these concerns.

The issues put forward included: the extent to which the channel is facing a crisis; preferences regarding possible partnerships; effects of market conditions; profitability of non-core, non -PSB channels; investment in the now abandoned Project Kangaroo; headcount, redundancies and remuneration; children's and educational programming; investment in the nations and regions; and, succession of the Chairman and Chief Executive.

The Committee plans to hold these sessions examining the Channels Annual reports annually.