Tech
ITV, C4 favourites for new Freeview slot
Published Thursday, Feb 24 2005, 18:37 GMT | By Neil Wilkes
ITV and Channel 4 are the strongest contenders in the bidding for the vacant slot on Freeview, according to Broadcast this week.
As previously reported, the pair had submitted the highest monetary bids but Crown Castle - the transmission company selling off the slot - is also taking a number of other factors into consideration, such as likely channel content.
ITV's £5m proposal is said to be a "revamped version" of Men & Motors while C4 is exploring a number of options, including a gaming channel.
Crown Castle has asked for clarification on a number of points in both bids. The other broadcasters, meanwhile - Five, Turner Broadcasting, Disney, Top-Up TV and NBC Universal - have not been asked for more detail. Only one applicant has thusfar been rejected outright: Sit Up, which had proposed a free-to-air movie channel.
The contract for the channel, which goes live on April 1, could be awarded as soon as next week.
As previously reported, the pair had submitted the highest monetary bids but Crown Castle - the transmission company selling off the slot - is also taking a number of other factors into consideration, such as likely channel content.
ITV's £5m proposal is said to be a "revamped version" of Men & Motors while C4 is exploring a number of options, including a gaming channel.
Crown Castle has asked for clarification on a number of points in both bids. The other broadcasters, meanwhile - Five, Turner Broadcasting, Disney, Top-Up TV and NBC Universal - have not been asked for more detail. Only one applicant has thusfar been rejected outright: Sit Up, which had proposed a free-to-air movie channel.
The contract for the channel, which goes live on April 1, could be awarded as soon as next week.
More: Tech, Terrestrial TV
More Tech News
Apple News
Apple TV trial production under way?The product is said to be in the trial production stage at China's Foxconn.
Satellite TV News
Sky plotting mobile launch, says reportBut Sky denies newspaper claim that it is in talks with Everything Everywhere.
Cable News
Pirate Bay blockade begins with VirginBT, Sky, others to follow suit, but rights groups warn it won't tackle piracy.
Freeview News
Freeview+ made easier for blind peopleRNIB develops software to make it easier for blind people to use Freeview+.
