Channel 5 fends off Virgin bid
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.Britain's fifth television channel remains on track to start next January after the High Court dismissed claims that the operating licence should not have been awarded to Channel 5 Broadcasting.
Virgin Television argued in a judicial review that the Independent Television Commission was guilty of procedural impropriety in its consideration of C5B's bid. Claims centred on whether the ITC had unfairly allowed C5B to increase its programme funding by pounds 100m to pounds 306m four months after the May deadline for bids.
Virgin also argued that the ITC irrationally failed Virgin's application on programme quality grounds - including its level of news staff, high level of repeats and lack of innovation. Many of its arguments were supported by UKTV, which bid pounds 36.26m but also failed on quality, and New Century TV, the consortium led by Rupert Murdoch, which only bid pounds 2m. Virgin and C5B both bid pounds 22.002m.
Lord Justice Henry and Mr Justice Turner said: "We are satisfied that there was neither illegality nor unfairness in the commission recognising C5B's shareholders' commitment."
Virgin, NCTV and UKTV were denied leave to appeal.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments