The ITV Association has today published a document setting out ITV’s position on digital terrestrial television.
The chairman of ITV, Leslie Hill said, “Enabling the ITV companies to play a positive role in digital is one of the best ways to get it launched as early as possible.”
ITV companies would aim to provide a range of services using the new digital terrestrial frequencies, which could include second runs of ITV programmes at different times to the original transmissions, films and drama series aquired by ITV but not presently given network showings, enhanced sports coverage, additional local programming, and a simulcast widescreen version of the ITV analogue service.
Through ITV’s network, more regional and specialised programming would be accessible and ITV licencees could serve their regions more effectively through targeted news and other programmes, claim ITV.
The government may decide to introduce legislation in a one stage approach, according to ITV. If the government is able to pass legislation empowering the ITC to issue DTTV licences in the coming 1995/96 Parliamentry session, this will be in line with technical and commercial timetables. However, commercial broadcasters and equipment makers will need as firm a confirmation as possible if they are to invest substantial sums in 1995/96 preparing for a 1997 launch.
ITV believes that the government should introduce the legislation in a two stage approach: first publish a White Paper on digital television as soon as possible; at the same time announce a frequency plan, allocating Channel 35 and the channels needed for BBC, ITV and C4, and require the ITC to undertake necessary technical and international clearance work immediately. Preparatory work could then begin by broadcasters.
Secondly ask the ITC, using its existing powers under the Broadcasting Act 1990, to ammend the current ITV licences to permit a limited introduction of new services. The full licencing of remaining services could take place as soon as possible after legislation in 1996/97
