Media
ITV could be planning to sell off lads channel Men and Motors, following months of discussion about its future.
A possible merger with ITV4 had been on the cards, but Broadcast reports today that a sale is likely to go ahead, with the deal to be finalised in early 2007.
ITV is believed to be unhappy with the ratings for ITV4, and the move would mean it could focus attention on building the branded channel's audience. The man behind its launch, Steve Arnell, has recently been moved to develop the launch of a new film channel, ITV Movies, with former Men and Motors chief, Dave Fewings, currently heading up ITV4.
Men and Motors was originally a joint venture between Granada and Sky in 1996. Although ITV took over in 2004, Sky would benefit from any sale of the channel, because of clauses in the deal. Along with Sky, Flextech and Five are being suggested as purchasers.
The channel is only available on satellite and cable platforms, having left Freeview in April to be replaced by ITV Play.
A possible merger with ITV4 had been on the cards, but Broadcast reports today that a sale is likely to go ahead, with the deal to be finalised in early 2007.
ITV is believed to be unhappy with the ratings for ITV4, and the move would mean it could focus attention on building the branded channel's audience. The man behind its launch, Steve Arnell, has recently been moved to develop the launch of a new film channel, ITV Movies, with former Men and Motors chief, Dave Fewings, currently heading up ITV4.
Men and Motors was originally a joint venture between Granada and Sky in 1996. Although ITV took over in 2004, Sky would benefit from any sale of the channel, because of clauses in the deal. Along with Sky, Flextech and Five are being suggested as purchasers.
The channel is only available on satellite and cable platforms, having left Freeview in April to be replaced by ITV Play.
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