It is understood that some ITV shareholders are concerned about the potential costs to hiring former Sky chief executive Tony Ball as its next chief executive.
Ball reportedly favours a rights issue and financial restructuring of ITV and is thought to have won support from a small number of ITV shareholders.
However, there are concerns that it will cost up to £500 million to turn the broadcaster’s fortunes around, as well as giving Ball, currently the chairman of Kabel Deutschland, a lucrative pay package.
US headhunter Russell Reynolds Associates is leading the search for a chief executive and Ball is the only candidate who has talked to ITV shareholders directly.
