Bids for new DTT channel expected Monday

Broadcasters eyeing a new channel opening on Freeview will submit bids for the space on Monday, the Media Guardian reports today.

New developments in compression technology have allowed DTT operator Crown Castle to squeeze room for the new 18-hour station, which will launch on April 1.

The winner of the sealed bidding is expected to pay around £4.5 million for the slot, although the figure could eventually top £5 million.

Potential bidders include:

ITV: Said to be launching ITV4, a new gaming channel, later this year

Channel 4: Although the broadcaster already has vacant space for its new documentary channel More4, it is said to be thinking about taking pay TV channel E4 free-to-air

Disney: The company behind the 'ABC1' entertainment channel is keen to launch a 24-hour service

Universal: The network is said to be keen on extending the reach of its crime channel '13th Street' into the UK

Turner: The broadcaster could launch a 'highlights' channel, featuring optins from CNN International, Cartoon Network, TCM, Toonami and Boomerang

Sky: Broadcast says that the operator, which already has three channels on Freeview, is considering a new movies and sport offering