Is Channel 4's sex obsession really a 'public service'?

Is Channel 4 a public service broadcaster that should be saved from privatisation? Today’s Queen’s Speech, which lays the groundwork for the sale of the channel, is set to reignite that debate once again. But Channel 4’s increasingly dire output – and its obsession with shows about sex – shows privatisation might not be such a bad idea.

Yes, Channel 4 produces some worthy stuff, but much less than in the past – I can’t recall a really good recent documentary on the channel. Its news is useful enough, especially if you can tolerate the smug air of its main presenters. But these positives are outweighed by a massive negative that enlightened people pretend not to notice. In recent years it has broadcast various shows that go beyond crass titillation and present morally repugnant behaviour as liberated, even healthy. In a sense they are more insidious that anything that exists on the dark web, because they come with a stamp of approval, with an air of public service authority.