Channel 4's Duncan looks for TV tax breaks

Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan wants the government to introduce similar tax concessions that are given to UK independent film companies, to UK television companies.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Duncan said that the extra funds would plug a £100 million funding gap that the broadcaster faces after the 2012 digital switchover.

Duncan told the paper Channel 4 was thinking "creatively" about its future, saying: "It's an emerging idea and we are looking at other ideas as well." He also asked for more allocation of the digital spectrum, so Channel 4 can increase its portfolio of channels.

Media regulator Ofcom has hired consultancy firm LEK to report on the broadcaster's finances. Its findings, which are expected to show a gap in funding for Channel 4 in the future, are due out this week.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers has also been hired by Channel 4 directly to carry out its own research which, Duncan says, reveals that the company generates £2 billion for the British economy.