Granada And Carlton To Unite Online Assets

Granada Media and Carlton Communications are reported to be close to merging their online assets in a deal which would ensure a more unified approach to the ITV brand on the internet.

Granada is planning to ditch its G-Wizz site to focus on promoting www.itv.co.uk, which has suffered as a result of the federal nature of the ITV network, which saw the separate websites of individual players developed rather than a unified ITV strategy. As two players emerged in control of the network following the merger of United and Granada last year, greater investment in the brand online was promised (see Future Of ITV Laid Out As Granada Seals Deal).

Presenting its annual report a few weeks ago the network said planned development to the ITV website would ensure its place as “one of the largest UK-based web offerings”, in competition with BBC online (see ITV Presents Annual Report And Plans For Future).

Granada and Carlton already jointly own the internet search engine Ask Jeeves, as well as digital terrestrial television platform, ONdigital, and Carlton has a number of successful online companies including a joint food and drink portal with Sainsbury’s called Taste (see Carlton Unveils Taste Network), games portal jamba.co.uk and film site, popcorn.co.uk.

Carlton Communications: 020 7663 6363 Granada Media: 020 7620 1620