Channel 4, Five battling for Freeview slot

ITV has pulled out of the race for the new Freeview slot after bidding exceeded £12 million, according to Broadcast today.

Only Channel 4 and Five now remain in the race for the precious space, which becomes available on November 24.

Five intends to launch a digital spinoff channel within months while Channel 4 is thought to be prepping another multichannel launch, most likely a station broadcasting US acquistions.

The contract for the 18-hour slot has a duration of three years.