BBC Set To Join With BSkyB For Digital Bid

The BBC looks set to form a partnership with BSkyB to create a digital terrestrial television service to replace the recently collapsed ITV Digital (see Administrators Confirm ITV Digital Sale), according to reports in today’s press.

The corporation is understood to have been holding talks with terrestrial broadcasters including ITV and Channel 4 with a view to creating a consortium to bid for the digital terrestrial licences. However, it has been reported that negotiations collapsed after the group failed to agree on how the licences would be divided up.

According to today’s Times, which is another of Rupert Murdoch’s media properties, the bid would create a free to air digital service, which could include channels such as Sky News, Sky Sports News and Sky Travel, as well as BBC Four, BBC Choice and BBC News 24.

A spokesperson for the BBC today refused to comment on speculation, saying: “We are still holding talks with various parties”. However, an announcement regarding the BBC’s intentions is expected in the next few days.

The deadline for the submission of bids is 5pm tomorrow and the ITC is expected to give its verdict on 4 July. Others believed to be applying for the licences included ITV partners, Carlton and Granada, and Channel 4.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk BSkyB: 020 7705 3000 www.sky.com

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