ITV TO LAUNCH DIGITAL SATELLITE SERVICES

ITV have announced that they have signed a deal with satellite group, Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES), to launch digital satellite services.
The ten-year deal means that 16 regional ITV channels will be available on Astra 2D satellite by the end of 2001.
The deal sees ITV take capacity on three digital satellite transponders, each of which can accommodate up to eight channels, meaning that ITV can easily secure additional capacity when required.
John McCann, UTV’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that ITV have reached this agreement with SES, as it is an important first step towards ITV broadcasting on satellite. Given ITV’s emphasis on regional programming, this decision highlights the important role satellite can play delivering local as well as network services to viewers.”
SES digital services reach 19 per cent of UK households under the Astra brand, having risen 2.5 million last year. (CD)