YTT close to bid for Channel 5
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BY MATHEW HORSMAN
Yorkshire-Tyne Tees, the ITV television company, yesterday moved a step closer to joining the bidding war for the new Channel 5 licence.
The company has signed a confidentiality agreement with broadcaster BSkyB and television production company Granada to discuss details of a joint bid for the licence, to be awarded later this year.
It is understood that TCI, the US cable giant, is also joining in the discussions. YTT, which has two ITV licences, will be held to a maximum of 20 per cent of the consortium.
BSkyB, which has taken the lead in developing the consortium, had been looking for additional programming strength in its bid to win the lucrative Channel 5 licence. YTT makes such hits as Heartbeat and has a large library.
YTT is 14 per cent-owned by Pearson, the media and information company, which is leading a competing consortium made up of the financial services and media company MAI and European broadcaster CLT.
The YTT board approved the confidentiality agreement yesterday and will meet again to decide on Channel 5.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments