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It also confirmed it is bringing forward its proposed review of funding for public service broadcasting so that it begins immediately after Ofcom has completed its review of public service broadcasting provision.

The message was delivered by Tessa Jowell, secretary of state for media, in a speech to the Royal Television Society yesterday.

Jowell said: "Despite the profound changes ahead for the television sector in the coming years, I remain convinced that the case for public service broadcasting will endure."

The provision for the BBC to meet the costs Channel 4 will incur in the building of the digital terrestrial transmitter network was made in the licence fee settlement at the start of this year.

Andy Duncan, chief executive of Channel 4, responded by saying: "This is important transitional help that will underpin our public service contribution while we work with Ofcom and the government to identify the most important forms of medium to long-term intervention."

On Tuesday Duncan, speaking at the Westminster Media Forum, revealed Channel 4 was to undertake a thorough review of its public service remit over the coming months.