ITV and Channel 4 join Freeview consortium

DTV Services Limited (DTVSL), the consortium which owns and markets Freeview, the fast-growing free digital terrestrial TV service, has two new shareholders: ITV and Channel 4.
As of October 11, ITV and Channel 4 are equal shareholders in the DTVSL consortium, each taking a 20% stake alongside the three founding shareholders: BBC, BSkyB and National Grid Wireless (formerly Crown Castle UK).
Set up three years ago in October 2002 to promote the package of free-to-air digital terrestrial channels on the UK’s DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) platform, the consortium has ensured that the successful Freeview service is now in over five million homes. ITV and Channel 4’s financial contributions towards the marketing of Freeview will be in line with those of the other shareholders.
Peter Abery, Chairman of Freeview, said: “We’re delighted to welcome ITV and Channel 4 to the consortium at a time when the Freeview service continues to go from strength to strength. ITV and Channel 4’s involvement, both from a strategic and financial point of view, will further enable us to raise awareness of the Freeview service as we continue to drive digital terrestrial take-up in the UK. With the addition of more channels, including ITV4 and Sky3 soon to be joining Freeview, the service offers an exciting channel line up for consumers looking to get digital TV.”
Andy Duncan, Chief Executive of Channel 4, said: "Freeview has transformed the television industry since its launch three years ago. Building a powerful multi-channel presence is central to Channel 4's future strategy and developing a strong position on Freeview is a crucial part of this ambition. E4 has more than doubled its share of the multi-channel TV audience year-on-year this autumn following its launch on Freeview and our new adult entertainment channel, More 4, will also attract a significant percentage of its viewing from Freeview homes following its launch on Monday. We believe that Channel 4 and its sister services play a key role in helping drive take-up of Freeview and it's logical that we should now take a more formal role in the running and marketing of the service."
Charles Allen, Chief Executive of ITV plc, said: "The rapid growth of the DTT platform and the success of Freeview offer a great opportunity for ITV as a content provider, channel owner and multiplex licence holder. There are very real benefits for ITV in growing and developing Freeview, and the most effective way for us to do that is to be at the heart of the marketing effort. ITV’s channels have already played an important role in driving the take up of Freeview - ITV2 and ITV3 are now the two most watched digital channels in Freeview homes, and ITV3 was the most successful launch in multi-channel history. ITV4 and our new children’s channel will also be added to the Freeview offering in the coming months. Becoming a shareholder means we can play an even stronger part in driving the growth of Freeview.”
(GB)