ITV Calls For More Favourable European Environment

Leslie Hill, the chairman of ITV, speaking at a reception in Brussels for MEPs and Commission officials today has called on the European Union to provide a framework that will enable all European broadcasters to expand and invest in quality programming.

“Quotas, flexibly adapted to each market-place will offer a measure of protection to European programme producers but many UK broadcasters believe that quotas by themselves will not strengthen the European programme industry in the long-term. The main priority must be to ensure a favourable environment which encourages the risk-taking needed to invest in programmes”, he said.

Leslie Hill also confirmed ITV’s commitment to an early launch of digital programme services. He explained that “some forecasts show that subscription revenue will overtake advertising revenue over the next decade, so ITV companies will want to diversify into pay TV and other multimedia activities. Digital is a new opportunity which can bring additional benefits to viewers, and we will want to be in the forefront in providing exciting digital programme services.

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