League sees hope in ITV deal
The Nationwide Football League has welcomed the BBC's purchase of ITV Digital's broadcasting licenses.
The beeb’s purchase of the licenses was announced this morning following a long awaited decision from the independent television commission. Digital Television Broadcasting (DTB), backed by the venture capital firm Apax Partners, and United Business Media and NTL’s joint venture SDN were the other bidders.
The purchase gives the League a chance to get back the money it lost when ITV Digital collapsed contributing to the demise of several clubs.
According to a spokesman, the League ‘was extremely perturbed by the possibility that companies given licences to run a digital terrestrial service, only to close it down while still owing over £800m to suppliers including our clubs, should be given the opportunity to do so again. We are pleased that the ITC shares this view.’
He added that the purchase would not affect the lawsuit it had taken out against Carlton and Granada.