UKTV To Seek C5 Review

UKTV has announced today that it will seek leave for a judicial review of the ITC’s decision to award the Channel 5 licence to C5 Broadcasting. UKTV, which had placed the highest bid, was ruled out on grounds of quality, as were Virgin TV, who have successfully been granted a judicial review.

UKTV Chairman John Whitney said today, “We have carefully examined the Court papers filed in support of Virgin TV’s application for a judicial review, and we have taken the further advice of counsel. There would appear to be a significant change of circumstances from the facts as we knew them following the award of the licence and as they have now been alleged by Virgin. UKTV would be derelict in its duty if it did not take action.”

Virgin TV has alleged that Channel 5 Broadcasting was given an opportunity to increase its funding commitment; this is contrary to the rules. John Fairley Chief Executive of UKTV said, “If the process was flawed as to Virgin then it was flawed as to UKTV. If this allegation is borne out, then the just thing to do would be to award the licence to UKTV”.