Tech
Carlton shareholders will demand closure of ITV Digital in six months time if there have been no signs of improvement, according to an article in the Independent On Sunday today.
Major investors in the company, which has a 50-50 stake in ITV Digital alongside Granada Media, are worried that the platform will fail to become a serious contender to Sky Digital, the market leader.
It has been predicted that a further investment of £250m will be needed for the outfit to break even, equating to 1.7 million subscribers. Analysts suspect that is unlikely to happen until 2003 at the very earliest.
One unnamed investor told the 'paper: "We think Carlton's investment is too aggressive. It is funding they can ill afford. We are biased towards Carlton significantly reducing its investment. If there are no signs of improvement in six months, then I don't think our patience will last."
The future of ITV Digital may not be so bleak, however. It has been heavily rumoured that the company has been in talks with BSkyB over the last month concerning a possible tie-up, or co-operation, in managing the service.
Earlier this week, the Government unveiled its Digital Action Plan, which hints at an acceleration towards analogue shutoff. Predictably, ITV Digital welcomed the plans.
Major investors in the company, which has a 50-50 stake in ITV Digital alongside Granada Media, are worried that the platform will fail to become a serious contender to Sky Digital, the market leader.
It has been predicted that a further investment of £250m will be needed for the outfit to break even, equating to 1.7 million subscribers. Analysts suspect that is unlikely to happen until 2003 at the very earliest.
One unnamed investor told the 'paper: "We think Carlton's investment is too aggressive. It is funding they can ill afford. We are biased towards Carlton significantly reducing its investment. If there are no signs of improvement in six months, then I don't think our patience will last."
The future of ITV Digital may not be so bleak, however. It has been heavily rumoured that the company has been in talks with BSkyB over the last month concerning a possible tie-up, or co-operation, in managing the service.
Earlier this week, the Government unveiled its Digital Action Plan, which hints at an acceleration towards analogue shutoff. Predictably, ITV Digital welcomed the plans.
More: Tech, Terrestrial TV
Apple News
Apple announces Mac OS X Mountain LionThe new Mac operating system introduces iOS features and AirPlay Mirroring.
Android News
Android 5.0 'Jelly Bean' launch rumouredGoogle rumoured to be fast tracking new OS in response to Windows 8 launch.
Satellite TV News
Sky Sports F1 to launch on March 9Broadcaster readies major ad campaign for its first ever channel dedicated to one sport.
Cable News
Virgin Media tops 1bn VOD views in 2011Coronation Street most popular for catch-up, Vampire Diaries more viewed series.
Freeview News
BBC to broadcast London 2012 live in 3DLive coverage is coming of opening and closing ceremonies, Men's 100-meter final.
Video on Demand
Netflix pays out $9m in privacy suitNetflix pays out $9m in compliance with the Video Protection Privacy Act.
