Who owns Channel 4?
CHANNEL 4 has been on our screens since 1982 - sending everything from dramas to documentaries into our homes. Channel Four Television Corporation was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1982. It is a publicly owned not-for-profit corporation and does not have any shareholders. The Board is appointed by the television regulator  Ofcom  in agreement with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The current Chief Executive is Alex Mahon and the current Chairman is Charles Gurassa. Unlike the BBC, Channel 4 receives no public funding and is funded entirely by its own commercial activities. Most of its income comes from advertising revenue. As a publisher-broadcaster, Channel 4 commissions UK content from the independent production sector and currently works with around 300 creative companies across the UK every year. According to reports, Channel 4 could be sold off as soon as next year. Culture secretary Olier Dowden last month confirmed they may move to privatise the channel to provide a sustainable future for the broadcaster. Broadcast Culture Minister John Whittingdale, who first advocated for the 38-year-old channels privatisation in 1996, will oversee the consultation. Last year Whittingdale said: Unlike the BBC, Channel 4 survives as an advertising-funded model. With the advent of the streamers and other competing services that model is under considerable strain. We do need to think about Channel 4 and whether there is still a need for a second publicly owned public service broadcaster, or what function it should fulfil. And that is something we are giving a lot of thought to.  Most read in News Exclusive DI DAY TRUCE Warring Harry & Wills call truce for Diana - but are 'further apart than ever' Exclusive CHILLING FIND Cops 'failed to probe' bag of weapons found near where model, 23, was killed PAINFUL DEATH Caroline Crouch died in agony as husband strangled her for FIVE minutes 'IT WAS HELL' Dad's warning after heart attack from drinking 12 CANS of energy drinks a day CAFFEINE OVERDOSE Former mayor's wife found dead aged 68 died from 'caffeine poisoning' MEG A PLAN Meghan governed by fear & Wills thought she had agenda, book claims