ITV set for ad windfall as Ofcom cuts public service remit

by Sam Matthews,, Brand Republic 07-Feb-05, 09:00

LONDON – ITV is expected to win approval from Ofcom to cut a substantial amount of its £250m public service broadcasting obligations, enabling the network to make more money from advertising.

The biggest cut will probably come from regional news, which is likely to drop from the current three hours a week to just 90 minutes.

ITV began to make made cuts to its regional news operation last year when it announced that as many as 400 jobs could go at former Carlton ITV franchise Central Television.

ITV may axe religious shows, children's programming and certain documentaries after the public service broadcasting conclusions are unveiled tomorrow.

The ruling will enable ITV to generate more revenue from advertising because it would be able to screen more popular programming such as 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' and 'X Factor', which pull in huge audiences and ad revenue.

Analysts have predicted the move could save ITV up to £80m in the next five years.

Channel 4 and Five's new public service broadcasting commitments will also be unveiled tomorrow -- although it is not likely to affect the broadcasters as much as ITV.

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