ITV moots merger with Channel 4 and Five

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 25-Feb-09, 15:30

LONDON - ITV has refused to deny a report which claims the broadcaster has drawn up plans to merge with Channel 4 and Five but admits "radical ideas" must be explored as it looks to secure its future.

It is believed that ITV, headed by executive chairman Michael Grade, has put forward the plan to the government among a range of options in response to the Digital Britain report, which examined the future of public service broadcasting.

An ITV spokesman gave out the following statement: "ITV is currently preparing its response to the government's invitation to all parts to undertake blue sky thinking on the future of public service broadcasting.

"Every broadcaster, along with the government and Ofcom, is therefore seeking radical solutions to the platform of how to provide sustainable guaranteed public service competition to the BBC.

"ITV is fully engaged in that debate which must include exploring all options for the future including a number of radical ideas."

ITV's share price was up 4.3% on the news to 24.25p.

The report follows talk that ITV is considering selling off its Freeview multiplex operating business SDN and offloading social networking site Friends Reunited as part of its efforts to save cash and focus on its core broadcast and television production business.

Channel 4 and Five were unavailable for comment.