Teletext to shut down in 2010

Teletext will cease all transmissions - analogue and digital - of its main text services including those on ITV, Channel 4 and Five in January 2010.

Parent company Daily Mail and General Trust confirmed original plans to scrap analogue text services in 2012 in line with digital terrestrial switchover have been shelved in favour of an axing of all news and information services.

The Teletext name will live on in the holiday and other commercial services broadcast on Freeview channels 101-107, and the firm's profitable travel websites will continue to operate.

"As anticipated, the continued fragmentation of television audiences and the growth in the use of the internet has resulted in a significant reduction in the audience and volume of commercial activity generated by the television services," Daily Mail and General Trust said in a regulatory news announcement. "In addition, Ofcom has indicated that it is not persuaded of the need for public intervention in the delivery of a public commercial Teletext service beyond 2014 and this has also contributed to the decision to discontinue the public service. Current economic conditions have accelerated this process, leading to today's announcement."

It is understood that up to 70 jobs are at risk as a result of the move.