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ITV, C4 both Freeview winners? Speculation is mounting that the consortium behind UK digital terrestrial platform Freeview may be preparing to launch not one but two new channel slots, handing one to ITV and the other to Channel 4. Crown Castle, which backs the business along with the BBC and BSkyB, had previously been expected to choose between the two remaining proposals on the table from ITV and Channel 4 this week. A decision hasn't yet been reached, however, with insiders believing that negotiations are being prolonged because Crown Castle has now put forward a different proposition. A spokesman for Crown Castle maintained today that only the one slot was up for grabs, but sources at ITV and Channel 4 were both under the impression that two channels were now a distinct possibility. Interest in the digital terrestrial platform among broadcasters is fierce with Freeview's rapid growth and limited channel line-up offering greater audience exposure. Earlier this week ITV highlighted the role Freeview had played in driving the success of its multi-channel strategy. "The very rapid take-up of digital multi-channel television in the UK, especially the spectacular growth of Freeview, helped the strong growth of ITV2 and ITV3," said ITV chairman Sir Peter Burt, referring to the two months following ITV3's launch in November. "We are embracing the rapid change towards a fully digital multi-channel environment, and are most supportive of Freeview, which offers the simplest upgrade route for our viewers," he added. A fourth ITV channel is due for launch some time this summer, expected to be spun out of the existing male-skewed GSB offering Men & Motors, and the company is keen to see this claim its place on digital terrestrial. Channel 4, meanwhile, is also planning the launch of 30-something-skewing More4, but doesn't need an additional Freeview slot to do this, already owning the bandwidth. But the company has made no secret of its desire to launch further digital channels and Freeview remains prime real estate. Jonathan Webdale 11 Mar 2005 © C21 Media 2005 
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