As the launch of ITV3 draws closer, ITV pledged to invest an extra £36m in its multichannel programming budget.

The extra cash will double ITV2's programme budget and make funds available for the launch of ITV3 in the fourth quarter of this year.  ITV3 will mainly target the over-35 demographic and show "a powerful collection of ITV dramas and movies."

ITV CEO Charles Allen said: "Just four months after the creation of ITV Plc our strategy is delivering. The merger has enabled us to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. Already the benefits of one ITV are apparent in our performance and efficiency. We have a strong foundation for the ambitious plans we have to grow our business."