Premium rate phone-in saga: ITV Play Channel Axed

I think a normal movie channel could do pretty well - showing current and classic movies 24 hours a day - given the library of films that ITV have (including the full James Bond collection).

I don't think there's much justification for ITV4 to go 24 hours really.

Plus, as has been mentioned, making ITV4 24-hours would require moving either ITV4 or CITV to Mux-D, which is out-of-group, marginal and/or outright unavailable in many areas.

YAY!

Great the Glitterball on both channels! </sarcasm>. Personally I never saw the need for the same programme to be simulcasted across 2 channels never mind 3. I only really watched ITV Play for one programme and that has gone.

What I think they should do with the channel is to dedicate it to sport and movies. Taking what happened to ITV's Football League coverage out, I'd like them to see more coverage of the Football League even extended highlights to ease the Sky domination.

...alot of M&M programmes I watched on Freeview are NOT on ITV4.

I was only suggesting a 24-hour ITV4 as a way of using the bandwidth they've paid for. Perhaps putting M&M on Mux D could be an interim measure. M&M 0600-1800, ITV Movies 1800-0600.

The only one I can't pick up on Freeview is Mux A

ITV play pulled from Freeview..
source ITV press office


ITV2+1 TO REPLACE ITV PLAY CHANNEL

As part of an ongoing review of its digital spectrum allocation ITV plc has today announced the launch of ITV2 +1 on Freeview.

ITV2+1 will replace the ITV Play channel on the digital terrestrial platform later this week. The ITV Play channel will also come off the digital satellite platform. ITV Play programming will continue to be broadcast overnight on ITV1 and ITV2.

ITV2 is the most popular digital channel for adults in the UK and is the home of hit shows Entourage, Supernatural and American Idol.

Jonathan Lewis, Director of ITV's digital channels, said:

"ITV2 is a hugely valuable asset in our digital portfolio. In reviewing the optimum use of our digital spectrum we have taken a commercial decision to increase its impact and reach with a plus one channel. We continue to monitor the performance of all of our digital channels as part of this ongoing review."

William van Rest, Controller of ITV Play said:

"ITV Play programming has proved most popular on ITV1 and ITV2. I am delighted that we have been able to return these services following the Deloitte review and that viewers are able to continue to enjoy our shows."

ITV Play programming has been subject to the ongoing independent review of ITV's interactive processes and procedures by Deloitte. Following the first stage of this review, on the basis of the information available, including Deloitte's findings, ITV is satisfied that these shows are being operated in accordance with the ICSTIS and OFCOM codes.

Ends.

For further enquiries please contact:
ITV plc
ITV Press Office
Tel: 020 7843 8000
Website: www.itv.com; investor information: www.itvplc.com

I don't see the value of +1 channels on Freeview - a platform where the space is so limited, it could be used in a better way, like - you know - something different??

Presumably this is just a short term measure until they're ready to launch a new channel.

So shades of 'The Scott Chisholm Show' then for 'The Debbie King Show'. Her show lasted a shorter length of time than his did on the ill-fated ITV News Channel !

I had the same initial reaction - but actually they are very useful as unless you have a twin tuner PVR - which most Freeview viewers haven't, you can't tape one digital programme when watching another. E4+1 and Film4+1 has offered the little bit of extra flexibility, and ITV2+1 will do the same.


And give me a +1 channel over a quiz or shopping channel anyday.


Once all this fuss dies down what's the betting ITV Play gets a daytime slot on ITV2?

Go on 888.com to place your bet now - or ring 0901 555 6666
(calls cost £300 p/min - ask permission from your bankruptcy counsellor before calling)