ITC Approves New C5 Launch Date

The Independent Television Commission yesterday agreed to allow Channel 5 to postpone its launch date without the broadcaster incurring any penalty.

Under its original licence requirements C5 was due to launch on January 1 1997 but the ITC has now said it will allow a launch date of “not later than 30 March 1997”. The ITC’s decision follows representations from Channel 5 Broadcasting which said a delay was necessary to retune the additional homes that the use of channel 35 would create *C5 And DTI Reach Agreement.

The ITC remains firm however that a minimum of 90% of homes should be retuned within the channel 35 and channel 37 areas before the channel can go on air. There is a provision in the licence agreement which would allow C5 to launch in different areas at different times, though C5 has said that it does not consider this a viable option.

* MediaTel subscribers only

Channel 5: 0171 497 5225

ITC: 0171 255 3000