UKTV TO INVEST IN NEW CHANNELS

It has been reported that UKTV is to investigate new digital cable and satellite outlets as well as new channels.
ADAM Singer, Chief Executive of Telewest has stated that if they decide to float UKTV, their joint venture with the BBC, they will then consider launching two new channels.
Singer said at the recent Edinburgh International Television Festival (EIFF) that it was a possibility that UKTV would be floated but there were no definite plans yet.
Shireen Arthur press officer at BBC Worldwide said: “If there is funding coming our way then we would consider new channels, however there are no firm plans at the moment. We would be looking at investing an injection into areas that would be worthwhile to UKTV.”
Singer revealed at the EIFF on 27th August that 20 per cent of UKTV, which is valued at around £1bn, could be spun off.
Dick Emery UKTV chief executive said that UKTV would invest in new services if they believed they would add value. The move would be the first listing of a BBC commercial venture.