Carlton and Granada have reached an agreement with SMG that will allow the transmission and promotion of ITV Digital and ITV Sport in Scotland. According to press reports, the two ITV giants will pay SMG an undisclosed sum to gain access to its broadcasting multiplex and for the rights to use its ‘share’ of the ITV brand name.
The matter was a point of contention between Carlton and Granada and the remaining ITV franchises holders (see
Granada And Carlton Meet Opposition To ITV Brand Plans, Say Reports). Whilst the two groups jointly own ITV Digital and its associated channels, the remaining ITV stakeholders have no shareholding in the business and reportedly felt that Carlton and Granada should not be allowed to use the ITV brand themselves at whim.
However, it is understood that the matter is now all but resolved and the two group are likely to be free to move ahead with their plans for ITV Digital (see Granada And Carlton Bring ONdigital Under ITV Brand). The deal with SMG will see the platform promoted nationally and will include the introduction of the ITV2 channel in Scotland, replacing the existing S2 digital terrestrial station.
