Duncan plots C4 alliance with BBC.(Channel 4 Television Co.)(British Broadcasting Corp.)(Brief Article)

Andy Duncan, the new chief executive of Channel 4, is considering merging parts of the broadcaster with the BBC.

Duncan, who joined Channel 4 two weeks ago, revealed to senior staff at an internal meeting that collaboration between the two broadcasters is an option that could ensure Channel 4's survival in the multichannel world.

Although no formal discussions have yet been held and it is not known which parts of Channel 4 have been earmarked for a possible merger, this is not the first time that Channel 4 has looked at collaborating with rival stations.

Under its previous chief executive, Mark Thompson, Channel 4 held talks with five about a …