New ITV chief 'mulling pay-TV move'
Sunday November 22 2009
ITV's new chairman is considering charging viewers for some of its channels as part of a complete overhaul of the broadcaster, it has been reported.
Archie Norman is thought to be mulling a move into the pay-TV market as he prepares to take the reins early next year, according to reports in the Mail on Sunday and Sunday Times.
He is also understood to be planning a shake up in the boardroom in the wake of the firm's protracted leadership crisis in which it struggled to replace Michael Grade, who holds a dual executive chairman role.
The former Conservative MP and Asda boss, who will lead the search for a chief executive, is expected to cut the number of board members over time.
But the move to pay-TV is thought to be on the cards in the near future as Mr Norman looks to boost ITV, which has seen slumping advertising revenues in the recession.
The broadcaster's stable of digital channels - ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 - could all be switched over from Freeview to subscription-only platforms, the reports said.
ITV reported a £105 million loss for the first half of this year. Earlier this month the broadcaster said group revenues were £1.3 billion in the nine months to September 30, against £1.47 billion a year earlier.
The firm is aiming for £155 million of cost savings in 2009 and the Mail on Sunday said there could be further cuts and job losses.
Mr Norman is also understood to be keen on remaining in both broadcasting and production and is thought to want to retain ITV Productions, which makes shows such as I'm A Celebrity ... and Coronation Street.
But he is thought to be keen on developing the international appeal of the shows produced, so that the firm can cash in on its rights ownership.
Press Association
