UKTV Considers New Challenge To Channel 5 Decision

UKTV is considering a fresh challenge to the ITC’s award of the Channel 5 license. The move comes after documents and affadavits were sent to the High Court in advance of a separate challenge from another failed bidder, Virgin TV. UKTV has access to these and must decide whether the new information can be used to mount a legal challenge. An attempted challenge at the end of last year was unsuccessful.

The fresh information is believed to focus on two issues: programming quality and procedural unfairness. Virgin TV won a challenge on grounds of unfairness and its case will be heard at the High Court on 17 January.

The documents are thought to include copies of correspondence between the winning bidder, Channel 5 Broadcasting, and the ITC, which show Channel 5 Broadcasting was given two chances to clarify its funding arrangements.