ITV1+1 launch postponed

ITV has postponed the launch of ITV1+1 “until further notice”, it has emerged.
The announcement comes just one day after electronic programme guide data for the channel appeared on a transponder ahead of its proposed October 1 launch.

It is understood that concerns over the Contract Rights Renewal mechanism, which seeks to protect media buyers from ITV’s dominance in the UK’s commercial television market, are behind the decision.
Earlier this week, the Competition Commission proposed adjusting CRR to take into account ITV1+1 and the upcoming ITV1 HD channel so that ITV was not disadvantaged by the full-time launch of either service; however, it warned that any changes to CRR were “far from clear cut”.