C4 won’t merge with BBC but open to collaborate on streamer, says Dogra

RTS: Channel 4 (C4) CEO Priya Dogra has rejected suggestions the embattled UK public service broadcaster (PSB) could merge with the BBC, saying such a move would effectively be a “BBC takeover” rather than a mutually beneficial collaboration.

Priya Dogra at RTS London

She was speaking during a keynote session hosted by BBC News journalist Katie Razzall at the Royal Television Society (RTS) London Convention today.

As PSBs in the UK become increasingly challenged by competition from deep-pocketed global streamers and YouTube, many industry figures have claimed the BBC and C4 should combine their strengths to compete better.

“It is fair to say I don’t want to merge with the BBC, because it will be a takeover by the BBC,” Dogra told delegates. “To me, consolidation leads to a lack of choice, while collaboration actually improves choice because it strengthens the partners.

“Do we want to survive alone? Yes, and I’m not positioning C4 for a takeover. I don’t believe there are any mergers – one company is always buying another. It’s always a takeover.

“What’s unique about C4 and the BBC is that there’s a purpose at the heart of it, rather than profit. C4 was created as a market intervention because we’re different, rebellious and noisy.”

At the Edinburgh TV Festival in late August, new BBC director-general Matt Brittin outlined ideas for a new and improved iPlayer 2.0, https://www.c21media.net/news/bbc-boss-brittin-wants-to-open-up-iplayer-to-creators-curated-by-public-service-algorithm/ admitting the current version of the service had fallen behind global competitors.

C4 has been having conversations with the BBC as to how the broadcasters could collaborate on the sovereign super streamer, with Dogra admitting she is open to such a partnership.

“I don’t see why not,” she said. “Matt has said this before and we’re having discussions about it. There’s lots of consideration because C4 content is monetised by advertising, so iPlayer has to accommodate that.

“The idea of having a platform that’s British-owned and showcases PBS content – particularly one that’s made without a profit motive – is important. We should be thinking about what makes sense for the audiences and British public, so I’m open to collaboration.”

The former Sky and Warner Bros Discovery executive stepped into the top job at C4 in March, replacing Alex Mahon. Her first major task was to undertake a root-and-branch internal strategic review, looking at the shape, size and structure of the 43-year-old company.

That resulted in the announcement earlier this month that C4 will axed 340 jobs. The broadcaster claimed the first stage of its transformation strategy will reduce management layers, simplify decision-making and remove duplication to create a “leaner, more efficient operating model.”

Dogra used her keynote session to insist C4 would take more risks and increase marketing spend on publicising new content. The broadcaster is also expected to announce the appointment of a director of programming within the next few months, with Dogra saying she is “looking for the next Messiah.”

The executive also refuted suggestions C4 no longer supports scripted drama series. “I’ve seen the dramas coming out next year and they’re all fantastic,” she told RTS delegates. “I’m incredibly proud of the team that produced them, so we’re not retrenching from that genre.”