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ITV

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ITV
NameITV
CountryUnited Kingdom
HeadquartersLondon
Founded22 September 1955
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
OwnerITV plc

ITV. It is the oldest commercial television network in the United Kingdom, launched in 1955 to provide competition to the BBC. The network is a federation of regional licensees, which originally broadcast their own local programming while sharing national schedule content. Today, it operates multiple channels, including the flagship ITV1, and is a major producer of news, drama, and entertainment programming.

History

The network was established by the Independent Television Authority under the Television Act 1954, breaking the BBC's broadcasting monopoly. The first franchise, for London on weekends, was awarded to the Associated-Rediffusion consortium, with broadcasts beginning on 22 September 1955. Early expansion saw franchises granted for the Midlands, operated by ATV, and the North of England, operated by Granada Television. The network faced significant scrutiny from politicians and cultural figures, leading to the creation of stricter content rules. A major restructuring occurred following the Broadcasting Act 1990, which led to consolidation, with Carlton Television and Granada plc merging in 2004 to form the dominant ITV plc.

Programming

The network is renowned for its broad schedule of popular programming, including long-running soap operas such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale. It is a major producer of drama series, including critically acclaimed titles like Downton Abbey, Broadchurch, and Vera. In entertainment, it broadcasts flagship formats like the talent show The X Factor and the reality competition Love Island. Its news division, ITV News, produces national bulletins like ITV Evening News and flagship current affairs programme ITV News at Ten. The network also holds rights to major sports events, including the FIFA World Cup and the Rugby World Cup.

Structure and operations

The network is primarily operated by ITV plc, which runs the ITV1 channel in England, Wales, the Scottish Borders, and the Isle of Man. STV Group operates the service in Central Scotland and Northern Scotland under the STV brand, while ITV Channel Television serves the Channel Islands. Key divisions include the production arm ITV Studios, one of the largest production companies in the UK, and the digital portfolio featuring channels like ITV2, ITV3, and ITVBe. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

ITV network and regions

The network's structure is defined by its regional licences, originally fifteen distinct companies. Major historical franchises included Thames Television for London weekdays, London Weekend Television for weekends, and Yorkshire Television for its namesake region. Following consolidation, the main regional services in England and Wales are now provided by ITV plc subsidiaries like ITV Anglia and ITV Wales & West. UTV in Northern Ireland was acquired by ITV plc in 2016. Regional news programmes, such as ITV News London and ITV News Central, remain a regulatory requirement and a key part of the service.

Notable people

Many prominent figures in British media have been associated with the network. Pioneering executives include Lew Grade of ATV and Sydney Bernstein of Granada Television. Iconic news presenters have included Alastair Burnet and Trevor McDonald. Among its celebrated entertainers are comedians Morecambe and Wise and talk show host Michael Parkinson. Notable actors whose careers were launched on the network include Judi Dench and Sean Connery. Current prominent on-screen personalities include news anchor Tom Bradby and presenter Ant & Dec.

Impact and criticism

The network has had a profound impact on British culture and the global television industry, popularising formats like the reality talent show. It has been criticised at various points for a perceived decline in regional identity due to consolidation and for controversies surrounding certain reality shows. Its news coverage, particularly during events like the Gulf War, has been both praised and scrutinised. The network continues to navigate challenges in the digital era, competing with streaming services like Netflix and adapting its business model for on-demand viewing via the ITVX platform.

Category:Television networks in the United Kingdom Category:ITV