Bidding has begun for a new channel slot on Freeview, according to a report in Broadcast this week.

National Grid Wireless (formerly Crown Castle) has squeezed out the slot on Multiplex D using the same compression technologies that created new spaces for ITV and Channel 4 earlier this year.

The eighteen hour space, running from 6am to midnight, will become available on December 1 and has a minimum asking price of £5.5 million per annum.

Interested parties had until Tuesday (November 1) to submit initial bids; those thought to have done so include Flextech, Viacom, Five, ITV, Channel 4 and Disney.

The magazine added that another slot could become available on multiplex C next year.