Channel TV has confirmed that it would be interested in bidding for HTV if it becomes available as expected after the Granada/United merger at the end of this month (see Future Of ITV Laid Out As Granada Seals Deal). The merged company will have to divest itself of HTV if it is to keep the lucrative Meridian franchise, while remaining within the limits set on how large a share of the national audience one company can own.
Huw Davies, chief executive of Channel TV, said that funding for a bid would come from venture capitalists, possibly the Royal Bank of Scotland and Friends, Ivory & Sime, which currently support his station. Davies would not be drawn into speculation about how much a bid would value HTV at, as he said it would be dependent on which parts of the business were put up for sale.
Channel TV is the smallest of the ITV franchises, and broadcasts to the Channel Islands. It may well be up against the might of Carlton Communications if a bidding situation for the Welsh broadcaster arises. When asked if he welcomed the prospect of consolidation within ITV, Davies said he saw “no reason to believe it would not be inevitable in the long term.”
Channel TV: 01534 816816
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