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01/05/2002
ITV Digital loses fight for life
The long-expected demise of ITV Digital finally came about this morning as administrators decided they had no option but to break the company up and sell it off piecemeal.
With no buyer in sight, screens started to go blank at midnight when Nick Dargan, administrator to the cash-strapped company, switched off pay channels including Sky Sports, MTV and UK Gold.
Free-to-air channels such as the five main terrestrial channels will continue to be broadcast for the time being but the service is expected to cease altogether within a fortnight.
The decision to pull the plug on the pay TV business leaves an estimated 750,000 subscribers with a reduced digital TV service and 1,300 ITV Digital staff out of work. Commentators have also called into question the credibility of owners Carlton and Granada.
The failure of the platform also signals the death knell for ITV's hopes of becoming a major player in the age of digital television and a credible rival to Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB and the cable companies.
Ministers are also likely to come under pressure to abandon their target of converting the population to digital TV by 2006-10. Many analysts believe it is now unreachable.
The shadow culture secretary, Tim Yeo, last night condemned the government for refusing to intervene in the crisis. He said: "Now that ITV Digital's screens are going blank, ministers must play their part in finding a solution to the crisis."
The Football League has warned that a third of its 72 sides could go bust as a result of ITV Digital's failure to pay £185 million it owes. League executives are expected to launch a £500 million action against ITV Digital's owners, Carlton and Granada.
The Independent Television Commission will now re-advertise more "flexible" broadcasting licences, and hopes to award them to a new bidder by June 12.
BSkyB announced they are currently owed £22 million by ITV Digital in unpaid programming charges.
(GB)
With no buyer in sight, screens started to go blank at midnight when Nick Dargan, administrator to the cash-strapped company, switched off pay channels including Sky Sports, MTV and UK Gold.
Free-to-air channels such as the five main terrestrial channels will continue to be broadcast for the time being but the service is expected to cease altogether within a fortnight.
The decision to pull the plug on the pay TV business leaves an estimated 750,000 subscribers with a reduced digital TV service and 1,300 ITV Digital staff out of work. Commentators have also called into question the credibility of owners Carlton and Granada.
The failure of the platform also signals the death knell for ITV's hopes of becoming a major player in the age of digital television and a credible rival to Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB and the cable companies.
Ministers are also likely to come under pressure to abandon their target of converting the population to digital TV by 2006-10. Many analysts believe it is now unreachable.
The shadow culture secretary, Tim Yeo, last night condemned the government for refusing to intervene in the crisis. He said: "Now that ITV Digital's screens are going blank, ministers must play their part in finding a solution to the crisis."
The Football League has warned that a third of its 72 sides could go bust as a result of ITV Digital's failure to pay £185 million it owes. League executives are expected to launch a £500 million action against ITV Digital's owners, Carlton and Granada.
The Independent Television Commission will now re-advertise more "flexible" broadcasting licences, and hopes to award them to a new bidder by June 12.
BSkyB announced they are currently owed £22 million by ITV Digital in unpaid programming charges.
(GB)
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25 March 2002
Is ITV Digital's £50m football offer an own goal?
ITV Digital's board was due to meet on Monday to discuss the possible risk of a £500 million legal action by the Football League if the digital broadcaster pulls the plug on televising Football League matches.
Is ITV Digital's £50m football offer an own goal?
ITV Digital's board was due to meet on Monday to discuss the possible risk of a £500 million legal action by the Football League if the digital broadcaster pulls the plug on televising Football League matches.
10 June 2002
NTL reveals 'improved' digital package
NTL, one of the UK’s leading broadband services company, have unveiled plans for a significantly improved digital TV product with over 25 new TV channels, 17 new radio channels as well as new look Interactive and EPG services, with more features and enhanced functionality.
NTL reveals 'improved' digital package
NTL, one of the UK’s leading broadband services company, have unveiled plans for a significantly improved digital TV product with over 25 new TV channels, 17 new radio channels as well as new look Interactive and EPG services, with more features and enhanced functionality.
23 April 2002
ITV Digital's administrators discuss sale with ITC
Administrators have confirmed that talks on the sale of ITV Digital's licence to broadcast are ongoing with industry regulators the ITC. With ITV Digital in the hands of administrators, accountancy firm Deloitte & Touche, the future for the firm looks bleak.
ITV Digital's administrators discuss sale with ITC
Administrators have confirmed that talks on the sale of ITV Digital's licence to broadcast are ongoing with industry regulators the ITC. With ITV Digital in the hands of administrators, accountancy firm Deloitte & Touche, the future for the firm looks bleak.
28 March 2002
Troubled ITV Digital goes into administration
An administration order made by Carlton Communications and Granada in relation to ITV Digital has been granted by the High Court in London. Not only does the judgment throw a shadow of the future ITV Digital, but the future of the government's 'Digital Britain' policy and the financial health of many Nationwide League clubs is also in doubt.
Troubled ITV Digital goes into administration
An administration order made by Carlton Communications and Granada in relation to ITV Digital has been granted by the High Court in London. Not only does the judgment throw a shadow of the future ITV Digital, but the future of the government's 'Digital Britain' policy and the financial health of many Nationwide League clubs is also in doubt.
28 November 2001
Granada profits fall due to advertising revenue drop
Granada’s profits have dropped sharply due to a slump in advertising revenues. The company’s profits before taxes during the year to September fell by 27 per cent to £236 million, while losses at ITV Digital soared by 26 per cent to £234 million.
Granada profits fall due to advertising revenue drop
Granada’s profits have dropped sharply due to a slump in advertising revenues. The company’s profits before taxes during the year to September fell by 27 per cent to £236 million, while losses at ITV Digital soared by 26 per cent to £234 million.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
