ITV to buy Channel Television

ITV plc is to buy the Channel Islands commercial broadcaster, and Channel 3 franchise holder, Channel Television.

ITV is in discussions with the privately owned company Yattendon Group which owns Channel Television. The deal will require the approval of the Jersey authorities but if it is approved it means ITV plc will be a step closer to owning all of the Channel 3 franchises. The merger between Carlton Television and Granada, to form ITV plc, meant the company owned the majority of the franchises in the United Kingdom. If the deal goes ahead and ITV does acquire Channel Television then only Scottish broadcaster STV and Irish broadcaster UTV will be outside of the company.