Channel 4 bids for national TV network

Channel 4 has submitted an expression of interest in Jeremy Hunt’s proposed national TV network.

The broadcaster said the bid was a qualified expression of interest, dependent on the new national channel having a prominent slot on the EPG.

BSkyB is also in talks with Hunt about how it might use its networks to assist with the local TV plans, according to the Guardian.

BSkyB would be able to assist local TV through broadband distribution, by viewers using the existing yellow button on the EPG. Around a third of Sky’s set-top boxes are ready to handle IPTV.

Channel 4 will be up against TripleSee – a consortium made up of production company TwoFour, Maidthorn Partners and New Media Partners.

The DCMS is expected to publish a list of all the interested bidders. Hunt confirmed he had 31 expressions of interest by the deadline last Monday.

The formal process is likely get under way by the late summer with licences awarded by the end of next year.

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