ITC Calls For Further Relaxation Of Rules

The ITC has submitted a document on Media Ownership to the Department of National Heritage, in which it says that the present position on ITV ownership is unsatisfactory because it is unfair on the smaller companies. It cites the example of YTTV, who under current rules is unable to merge with any larger companies, yet Carlton and Central have just merged, despite the fact that their individual advertising revenue is more than Yorkshire and Tyne Tees combined. The ITC believes that the opportunity to participate in large units should be equally available to all regional Channel 3 licensees. The ITC suggests the limit on the holding of regional licences to be based on revenue share, for example 25% of total revenue.

With regard to cross-media ownership, the ITC recommends that the current restrictions on press and terrestrial broadcasters are too strict. The ITC also recommends that the satellite licensees, who are currently not held under these restrictions be brought into equality with other major broadcasters.

ITC 071 255 3000

CENTRAL AND CARLTON TO MERGE SALES

Carlton Communications Plc has announced that all airtime sales arrangements for Carlton and Central Television are to be integrated, and will be led by Martin Bowley, currently Sales Director of Carlton Television.

This follows Carlton’s successful acquisition of Central and MAI’s acquisition of Anglia Television. Currently the airtime sales of both Anglia and Central are represented by TSMS.

Nigel Walsmsley, Carlton Director of Broadcasting, said,”The changes in ITV call for corresponding changes in sales arrangements…TSMS has served Central well but clearly, under new ownership, Central and Anglia will be going their separate ways. The proposed arrangements will be finalised once the outcome of the ITC’s review of ITV’s sales arrangements is known later this month.”

Anglia Television today said that sales would continue as usual, and declined to give any details about future plans.