ITV shuts down digital arm

Last updated : 01 May 2002 By IB News Reporter

Accounts Deloitte & Touche said they had been unable to find a buyer for the company and there was no way it could continue as a going concern.

As many as 800,000 viewers will now only be able to receive a few free digital channels, like BBC4 - and even that is only "in the short term" according to the accountants.

Earlier today BSkyB, MTV and UKTV, which provide the pay tv channels, were told the troubled firm could no longer afford their services.

Up to 1,300 employees at ITV Digital's call centres in Pembroke and Plymouth have been told they are likely to lose their jobs tomorrow.

The Pembroke call centre is one of the biggest employers in the area. Manpower, who run the centre, are hoping to attract replacement customers.

ITV Digital's broadcasting licence will now be put up for sale by the Independent Television Commission.

Accounts Deloitte & Touche said they had been unable to find a buyer for the company and there was no way it could continue as a going concern.

As many as 800,000 viewers will now only be able to receive a few free digital channels, like BBC4 - and even that is only "in the short term" according to the accountants.

Earlier today BSkyB, MTV and UKTV, which provide the pay tv channels, were told the troubled firm could no longer afford their services.

Up to 1,300 employees at ITV Digital's call centres in Pembroke and Plymouth have been told they are likely to lose their jobs tomorrow.

The Pembroke call centre is one of the biggest employers in the area. Manpower, who run the centre, are hoping to attract replacement customers.

ITV Digital's broadcasting licence will now be put up for sale by the Independent Television Commission.