ITV Discussion Thread

But it is a good point why they are using it to boost another show. There is no reason whatsoever why they couldn't put the Family Album on the Sunday. The Family Album is also made by ITV Productions so its not as though they would be at loss for breaking a contract. They would end up paying themselves; no money lost

It will be interesting to see if Benidorm can stand up by itself.

ITV to hand back licences?



Media Guardian

Bozz

Whoops, the announcer in London made a cock-up at the end of emmerdale. She called Donna, Debbie!

This Morning made a huge cock up (excuse the pun) yesterday, the 'Sex Addict' they had on was actually a porn star and the link they plugged actually was her porn website.

I noticed that too. Proves they dont watch.

a much better question is who want buy them and could There fall into the hands of those local digital tv channels?

also I wonder if SMG or UTV would buy some?

They have gone nuts.

Well it shouldn't be as simple as that. If they chose to do that they should lose their prime EPG slot - and any gifted space on DTT especially.


And also if "ITV Plc" give up their licences to broadcast from certain regions on C3, it should be put out to tender for other companies to take over.

And if ITV were to lose even more of their PSB services, they'd be eroding their identity further and in the long run will suffer. They should also be forced to lose some of the privileges which being a PSB has given them - notably sport rights and the ability to broadcast the World Cup, European Championships and FA Cup Final.

So either way, it looks as if ITV won't be owned by the ITV company as we know it for much longer.

Well, if this did happen, they'd probably be in a worse position than at present:

• They probably wouldn't be able to style themselves as ITV any longer, which will damage its brand identity a hell of a lot.
  
• They'd lose their prime EPG slots on all platforms.
  
• They'd lose their half of Mux 2 on DTT in England and Wales (although they do own SDN and a slot on mux D)
  
• After DSO, Muxes A and D on DTT will not reach the full 98%+ coverage as the PSB muxes, of which the "New C3" will be carried on
  
• Their schedules may be depleted with broadcasters preferring to go onto the "New C3" network. They'd have to pay high fees to broadcast news and breakfast programmes from other producers.
  
• Many, mostly regional, job losses will be inevitable
  
• Well known regional names will go down the swanney
  
• Loyal ITV viewers would A) lose ITV plc's C3 on analogue and B) have to find where ITV plc-owned channels now are on digital EPG's, therefore reduction in viewing figures
  
• Some ITV plc programmes may be currently contracted to the ITV Network and may be unable to move to another channel
  
• Selling ITV plc programmes to the "New C3" will increase competition. ITV plc could however manipulate the "New C3" to continue with ITV plc programmes alongside ITV plc's channels, effectively outsourcing the broadcasting and regional side.
  

I really don't know what to think of this

but this only appys to England, as STV are not changing there local output,

I think UTV and STV are in a much better place as there can still link to ITV but are only local channel to there country

I think all this is just sabre rattling by ITV plc to scare ofcom. ITV plc have so much to lose if they did this. OK the analogue space isn't worth what it used to be, but currently they enjoy big benefits from holding the C3 licence's.
eg, 99% coverage, giving them access to protected sporting events, gifted space on digital etc.
They do already have the groundwork laid for this with SDN, but I somehow doubt they would manage to squeeze its 4 channels in using that space. Also wouldn't they have to give up the ITV name? I remember the other ITV companies throwing a fit when ITV plc initially named itself that as they don't own the ITV brand.
So yes, I can't really see ITV doing this yet.