ITC Receives Expressions Of Interest In Digital Licences

The Independent Television Commission has confirmed that it has received “a number of expressions of interest” in the three digital terrestrial multiplex licences formerly owned by ITV Digital.

At this stage the expressions of interest are confidential, but it is thought that possible bidders may include a consortium of terrestrial broadcasters including the BBC and former ITV Digital shareholders Granada and Carlton.

Following the decision to call the administrators in to ITV Digital (see ITC Issues Statement Regarding ITV Digital Sale), the ITC issued an accelerated invitation to apply for the three multiplex service licences on 1 May. The timetable for applications, subject to competition issues, is as follows:

• Potential applicants had to submit a confidential expression of interest in the licence by 16 May 2002
• The closing date for full applications is 30 May 2002
• The ITC is obliged to publish the programme proposals of the applications and to invite representations on them. Representations should be received by 6 June 2002
• The ITC expects to be able to announce the award of the licences on 13 June 2002
• The ITC will seek to grant the licences on the date of award or as soon as practicable thereafter.

ITC: 020 7306 7743 www.itc.org.uk

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