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Merging Channel 4 with ITV is an 'interesting' possibility, the UK's media minister has said today, as the debate over the broadcaster's future continues.

The Government has launched a consultation into the possible privatisation of the loss-making broadcaster.

It comes amid concerns by ministers over the ability of Channel 4, which is publicly owned, to compete with the likes of streaming giants Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Conservative MP Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, today suggested options for the channel's future could include a merger with ITV.

He also suggested a possible merger with BBC Worldwide - the commercial arm of the BBC.

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Media Minister John Whittingdale said the Government was keeping an 'open mind' about Channel 4's future.

But asked about the idea of a merger, he said: 'We have reached no conclusion as to what is the appropriate future ownership model for Channel 4.

'We maintain a completely open mind but he raises a number of interesting possibilities and we are looking forward to seeing what submissions we receive as part of the consultation.' 

Merging Channel 4 (pictured: The Channel 4 headquarters in London) with ITV is an 'interesting' possibility, the UK's media minister has said today, as the debate over the broadcaster's future continues

Media minister John Whittingdale was asked by Conservative MP Julian Knight about the possibility of Channel 4 merging with ITV and he said it was an 'interesting possibility'

It comes after Mr Knight, expressing his personal view in the Commons debate, said: 'The recovery of Channel 4 and the evolving media landscape warrants close consideration of privatisation and sale.

He added: 'Would the minister agree with me that it would be a good juncture to also consider whether Channel 4 could be bolstered by a potential merger with ITV or even hive off BBC Worldwide - the commercial arm of the BBC, which has often underperformed but has tremendous international potential to build scale for Channel 4?'

Meanwhile, Labour's shadow media minister, Chris Matheson, put in his defence of Channel 4, reeling off a list of the broadcaster's top shows.

Mr Matheson said: 'Countdown, Derry Girls, Gogglebox, The Word, It's A Sin, Chewing Gum - which gave us the astonishing Michaela Coel for the first time - Educating Yorkshire, 24 Hours In A&E and Police Custody, Location, Location, Location, Phil and Kirstie, Friday Night Dinner...'

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle intervened to speed up Mr Matheson, who added: 'I'll simply finish with Hollyoaks and the Secret Life Of The Zoo, which you have something in common with me - they're both filmed in Chester, Mr Speaker.

'For four decades, Channel 4 has reflected and given voice to the diverse parts of the United Kingdom. Why does the Government want to take that voice away and sell it off to foreign tech companies that have no loyalty to the United Kingdom?'

Mr Whittingdale replied: 'I am extremely impressed by his viewing habits although I noticed he left out Naked Attraction, which certainly does appeal to diverse tastes. However, I absolutely agree that Channel 4 has been responsible for some great programmes over the years and it is our intention that it should be able to continue to do that in the coming years.'

Meanwhile, Labour's shadow media minister, Chris Matheson, put in his defence of Channel 4, reeling off a list of the broadcaster's top shows, including Gogglebox (pictured)

He also praised Chewing Gum - a sitcom written and staring award-winning actor/director Michaela Coel

The minister also said Channel 4 is going to need 'access to investment capital in order to maintain' its record on broadcasting.

Channel 4 was founded in 1982 to deliver to under-served audiences.

It is owned by the Government and receives its funding from advertising, but could be sold off to a private buyer, with potential investors likely to include big American companies. 

The latest debate of Channel 4's future comes after Mr Whittingdale suggested Netflix or Amazon could take over the broadcaster. 

Speaking last month, Mr Whittingdale said it was 'sensible to look at alternative ownership models' and did not 'by any means rule out' the public service broadcaster being acquired by a streaming giant'.

Mr Whittingdale told Times Radio: 'What we've said is that we think that it is sensible to look at alternative ownership models, in order to make sure that Channel 4 is still able to invest in programme content, to compete with these other services.

'In terms of who might potentially be interested, that's the purpose of having a government consultation. We don't rule out anyone.

'There would be competition issues if a very strongly established broadcaster wanted to merge, and that's something which automatically is a matter of competition, but I don't by any means rule out existing streaming services or indeed anybody else. We'll wait and see what happens.'

He added that the Government was concerned over the network's business model coming under intensifying pressure due to its reliance on advertising. 

It comes after it was last month revealed that the Government could line the channel up for privatisation as early as next year.

Options reportedly being considered include an outright sale, a partial offloading of the Government's stake or a mutual ownership model, according to the Financial Times. 

Ministers reportedly want a decision on the best model for the channel to be decided upon by the end of the year. 

Meanwhile, Channel 4 presenter Kirstie Allsopp, who co-hosts Location, Location, Location, has railed against the sell-off plan, saying the network 'does not take a penny off the Government'.

'Someone said “we don’t need 2 public service broadcasters” I agree, we need 3, the more TV that is for the public the better. Innovative, brave, compassionate broadcasting is what we do.'

In a separate tweet posted on Wednesday evening, she wrote: 'Did a couple of interviews today making the case against privatising @Channel4.

'I was amazed by the kindness of other broadcasters and their belief in C4. Margaret Thatcher set it up to do a job, it does it brilliantly. No true @Conservatives would raise a hand to harm Channel 4.'