Independent Television (ITV)

Definition:
British television broadcasting network supported exclusively by advertising revenue and programme sales, as distinct from the BBC-TV network, which is financed by the licence fee and programme sales. At the time of writing, the ITV network consists of 15 CONTRACTING COMPANIES in 14 ITV Regions (the 'TV stations'), Channel Four Television (including Sianel 4 Cymru or S4C, in Wales), TV-am and ITN (Independent Television News). These collectively hold a one-third share of total UK advertising expenditure. They take almost exactly half the average total UK television audience, about 46 per cent watching the local ITV station and 4 per cent tuning to Channel 4. Audience research is conducted jointly with the BBC, via the BROADCASTERS AUDIENCE RESEARCH BOARD (BARB). It has meanwhile been agreed that a fifth channel will be added to the ITV network. Negotiations are present under way concerning its ownership, location and content. Independent Television was introduced to Britain by the 1954 Television Act and the first ever COMMERCIAL, for Gibbs SR toothpaste, was broadcast at twelve minutes and seven seconds past eight on the evening of 22 September 1955. The quantity and content of television advertising is regulated by the INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (IBA).

Cross-References:
[contracting companies] [Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (BARB)] [commercial] [Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA)]

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