Consortium Launches Bid To Become New ITV News Provider

BSkyB is carrying through its intention to apply to take over from ITN as news provider for ITV. The satellite broadcaster made its intentions known last year (see BSkyB Looks To Oust ITN As ITV News Provider) and has now formed a consortium consisting of Bloomberg, CBS News, Chrysalis Group and Ulster Television, which each hold a 20% stake, to apply to the Independent Television Commission (ITC).

The group, called Channel Three News Ltd, has submitted its application to the ITC to become nominated news provider for national and international news on ITV. The ITC has a duty to consider all such applications, but has to do so against the requirement in the 1990 Broadcasting Act (amended 1996) that a nominated news provider is, or if appointed would be, effectively equipped and adequately financed.

The ITC will also consult all the regional Channel 3 licensees, who have been asked to comment by Thursday 10 May. Although only a nominated body can provide news on ITV, once nominated it is up to the channel to decide who gets its news contract.

BSkyB: 020 7705 3000 www.sky.com ITC: 020 7255 3000 www.itc.org.uk ITV: 020 7843 8222 www.itv.co.uk

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