ITV and Channel 4 today confirmed that they have made joint applications to the Independent Television Commission (ITC) for Multiplex Service Licences B and C. A statement released this afternoon read:
“The applications have been made by ITV and Channel 4 through a new vehicle, Digital Terrestrial Alliance Limited (DTA). DTA proposes a full free-to-air broadcasting service that will cement ITV and C4’s position as the leading commercial terrestrial channels in the future. If successful, DTA would combine Multiplexes B and C with the current ITV/C4 multiplex to offer a strong line-up of both existing and new free-to-air services to DTT viewers. It is DTA’s intention to work with other parties to ensure that the free-to-air DTT proposition is promoted coherently under a single brand name.
The key elements of Digital Television Alliance’s plan focus on the achievement of:
ˇ A strong, robust signal with better coverage
ˇ Attractive, complementary free-to-air channels
ˇ Low cost set-top boxes in the market backed by an agreed ‘kite-mark’
ˇ Concerted promotion and cross-promotion of services on the platform
ˇ The availability of an ‘upgrade’ to a low-cost offering of key genre pay channels
ITV and Channel 4 believe that, if the DTT platform is to be successful and viewing is to be maximised, the consumer proposition should combine a strong free-to-air channel line-up and a ‘lite’, low-cost pay TV offering. The DTA applications for Multiplexes B and C are therefore conditional upon the success of each other, and upon the success of the application made today by “Freeview Plus” (Newincco 166 Limited), which proposes a ‘lite’ pay TV offering for Multiplex D.”
Further details of the applications made by ITV and Channel 4 will be made available on Friday 14 June via the ITC website and Library
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.co.uk
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