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ITV is upping the amount it spends on its digital channels with the aim of becoming the major player in the multichannel market.
The network is increasing the budget for ITV2 from £26 million this year to £40 million in 2005; a move it hopes will allow the station to overtake Sky One as the UK's most-watched digital channel.
The extra money will be spent on more spinoff shows for the likes of I'm A Celebrity and Footballers' Wives as well as original content and acquired US shows like Sylvester Stallone's The Contender.
New drama channel ITV3 is being given a £14 million through 2005, with planned original programming including spinoffs of The Bill and companion shows for the likes of Miss Marple.
According to Broadcast, a further £4 million is being set aside for "special projects" on the digital channels.
Yet more new stations are already being planned, including a new channel aimed at women.
