ITV Play Axed

ITV has axed ITV Play and will replace it with ITV2 +1 on Freeview and Sky. The broadcaster has said it was a commercial decision and came following a review of its use of spectrum. ITV Play will continue to exist as a programming block aired overnight on ITV1 and ITV2. The change will occur on Thursday March 15 and on satellite on Friday March 16.

According to insiders, a new channel is expected from ITV within the year, with a movie channel one of the options currently being looked at. An ITV spokeswoman stressed that the decision was not linked with the ongoing independent review of ITV’s interactive processes and procedures by Deloitte.

A statement from the broadcaster said: “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.”