BROADCASTS.com

As Channel 4 approaches its 40th birthday it faces one of the most pivotal moments in its history. The broadcaster is funded by advertising but is publicly owned, for now. As part of the Queen\u2019s speech this week the government confirmed its plans to privatise Channel 4 \u2013 despite the broadcaster\u2019s opposition. In fact, Channel 4 has published an alternative showing us what it wants to become if it weren\u2019t privatised \u2013 something the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said was based on "flawed assumptions".

However Channel 4\u2019s future is settled will have major ramifications for the UK\u2019s TV industry. Whether it\u2019ll make such a difference to the programmes that Channel 4 offers viewers depends on who you ask. At the centre of this issue are two key figures, Nadine Dorries, the Culture Secretary, and our guest in this edition - Alex Mahon, the chief executive of Channel 4.

Presenter: Ros Atkins

Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Editor: Richard Hooper