Technical Review For Channel 5

The ITC is to launch a study into whether additional frequencies might be used for Channel 5 , following its decision in December not to award the licence to Thames, the only bidder.

The review will look at the possibility of using frequencies previously rejected because they did not provide the national coverage which was originally being looked at. Use of these ‘new’ frequencies could reduce the need for retuning of VCRs, and also provide scope for city television stations targetting a smaller percentage of the population. The original plan was to use 33 transmitters, providing coverage of up to 74% of the UK population. A change to the Broadcasting Act 1990 would be required to permit separate licenses to be granted for city based TV services on Channel 5.

Thames, in the meantime, is still considering whether to seek a judicial review of the rejection of its Channel 5 bid.

ITC : 071 584 7011