BBC and Channel 4 are in talks to merge advertising and streaming operations in a bid to cut costs

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026.

Early discussions between the BBC and Channel 4 have explored combining Channel 4's advertising arm, E4, Film4 and its on-demand services with UKTV, the BBC's commercial subsidiary. Both broadcasters could hold equal ownership of the merged entity. The flagship Channel 4 channel would not be included in the joint venture. Whether talks accelerate next year will depend on progress towards a new BBC funding deal with the government.