Sadiq Khan today said government plans to force Channel 4 out of London would cost jobs and cause damage.
The state-owned broadcaster, which is headquartered in Westminster, faces increasing political pressure to shift its staff and offices out of London. It has been warned it faces possible legislation if it continues to resist the plans.
The Mayor told the Standard: “A move out of London would undoubtedly lead to job losses in London and a disrupted Channel 4 operation for years to come.
“While we support efforts to grow the creative sector across the UK, we cannot support a move that is likely to damage a successful business.”
In its manifesto, the Conservatives stated: “Channel 4 will remain publicly owned and will be relocated out of London”.
However the department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said today it had “always been clear that this did not necessarily mean the entire business would be relocated”.
Talks between Ms Bradley and new Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon are “ongoing”, it said.
Mahon, who took up the post last November, is thought to be less combative than predecessor David Abraham. He said the move would “destroy” the channel. Fewer than 30 of its 820 staff are based outside central London.
Sources at Channel 4, which was set up in 1982 and is funded by advertising, suggested a compromise, such as not all staff having to move or a “multi-hub” approach, could soon be reached.
The department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “Independent analysis makes clear the potential benefits of Channel 4 increasing its impact outside London.” Ms Mahon said: “I’m confident we will have an innovative plan which delivers for all of Britain.”
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