ITV Gears Up To Launch Local Broadband Service

ITV is preparing for the launch of ITV Local, the broadcaster’s local broadband service, after the appointment of a launch managing director and the acquisition of online business directory Scoot.

ITV has appointed Mohammed Raja, who has worked at search and directories companies including Thomson Directories, 192.com, Ask Jeeves and UpMyStreet.com, as managing director, to spearhead the roll-out of the service, scheduled for launch in London in the first quarter of next year.

The service is currently available in the Meridian region, which has been used as a 12-month trial before the full roll-out next year.

“ITV Local is one of the three key pillars of our online offering alongside ITV Broadband and Friends Reunited,” said Jeff Henry, the director of ITV Consumer.

In addition, ITV has acquired Enable Media, parent company of Scoot, to gain a foothold in the £120 million online business directory listings sector. Under the terms of the deal, ITV will absorb Enable Media’s 60-strong sales force.

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com