Channel 4 to merge with Channel 5?

MSN.co.uk

So apparently Channel4 is having to cut back on jobs and the such due to the economic crisis. Things sound a bit bleak, but not half as bleak as it'd be were 4 to merge with Channel 5.

Think of all the pointless documentaries..

eugh f*** no

Wasn't that with BBC Worldwide a couple of months ago?

Yeah there have been reports that they would merge with the BBC as well, but I really don't see that happening.

why is that? it is only the profitable side of the BBC

It would just seem odd, the BBC and 4 are so entirely different and attract different viewers, so by linking the two together it might not appeal to some. Plus in the article the Chief Executive of 4 said that they want to join with a public service organisation that "rivals the BBC," they wouldn't be using phrases like that if there was any possibility of it happening, but I could be wrong.

Perhaps that is a good reason to merge with Channel 5 instead of the BBC

Yeah but it doesn't look like that would be enough to rescue them, the idea's been dismissed recently, saying it wouldn't make any sense, but it'd make a bit more sense to join with 5 than to be with the BBC.

if that happens, 4 would get programs like:
the rock star with two heads
or
csi: freak files