The BBC, BSkyB, Carlton and Granada have united to submit a joint-bid for the right to broadcast digital terrestrial television in the UK. The £300 million deal has been submitted to the ITC and marks the start of a unique commercial partnership between the four organisations.
The new alliance is called the British Digital Broadcasting Consortium. It is owned equally by Carlton, Granada and Sky. The BBC has agreed to provide exclusive access to its programming. There will be entirely new channels covering films, entertainment, shopping, lifestyle and music. The group has submitted an application to the ITC for multiplexes B,C and D. The application states that the group hope to take a lead role in establishing and promoting digital terrestrial television in the UK.
There were two other applications for multiplex licensees. S4C Digital Networks Limited put a bid in for multiplex A and Digital Television Network Limited put in a rival bid for multiplexes B,C and D. The Digital Television Network Limited is owned by International CableTel. The group plan to have a comprehensive channel line-up including films, sport, entertainment, travel and regional strands. It is rumoured that the group lost two of its backers today, United News and Media and the French pay-TV station, Canal Plus. However, a spokesman for the Digital Television Network has promised that the group has maintained the full support of all its backers.
The ITC has also received an application from Digital 3 and 4 Ltd, representing ITV and Channel 4 in respect of the multiplex on which these licensees have guaranteed places (see yesterday’s ITV And C4 Join Forces For Digital Launch).
Summaries of the applications will be available from the ITC London headquarters on Monday, February 3 and ITC regional offices by February 4.
A six week period of public consultation has now begun. Comments must be submitted to the ITC by March 14. The Commission hopes to award the licensees in the Spring.
British Digital Broadcasting plc: 0171 663 6409
S4C Digital Networks: 01222 741 404
Digital Television Network Limited: 01252 402 662
