02/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 2 April, the European Commission launched an investigation into state aid of £14 million that the UK government is planning to give television station Channel 4 to help it cover the costs of investing for the digital changeover. The Commission greatly doubts whether the aid is compatible with the criteria set out by the Commission in a communication in 2001 on broadcasting, namely the necessity of the aid, its proportionality and lack of over-compensation for Channel 4. The investigation will provide an opportunity for interested parties to submit their comments on the planned measures. (O.L.)