A major British commercial media company operating the ITV television network, ITVX streaming service and ITV Studios production business.
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Overview
ITV plc is a British media company headquartered in London. It operates the ITV network, the United Kingdom’s principal commercial terrestrial television service, and owns ITV Studios, an international television production and programme-distribution business. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker ITV and has historically been a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. The present company was created in 2004 when Granada plc acquired Carlton Communications and adopted the ITV name. That transaction consolidated most of the commercial ITV licences in England and Wales under one corporate owner after regulatory changes in the 1990s permitted greater concentration of franchise ownership. ITV plc subsequently acquired or consolidated additional assets, including digital-terrestrial infrastructure, television channels, production companies and, in 2015, UTV’s Northern Ireland licence. It holds 13 of the 15 regional licences that make up the ITV network; the two Scottish licences are operated by STV. ITV’s business has two principal areas. Media and Entertainment operates the ITV-branded television services, ITV News activity, advertising inventory and ITVX, a streaming platform combining advertising-supported and subscription-supported viewing. ITV Studios develops, produces and distributes scripted, factual, entertainment and reality programming for ITV and other broadcasters and platforms in the United Kingdom and internationally. Its production portfolio includes programmes made through businesses acquired or developed by the group, including World Productions. The company’s history includes a broad shift from regional franchise broadcasting toward a centrally managed national network, digital channels, online video and globally traded programme rights. It launched or expanded channels such as ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV, while discontinuing services whose economics or regulatory position became unsustainable. The closure of ITV News Channel and ITV Play reflected changes in digital distribution, participation-television regulation and audience behaviour. ITV has also undertaken substantial cost reduction and portfolio restructuring. Its 2010 five-year transformation programme sought to improve operating efficiency, reduce debt and strengthen the group’s balance sheet. From the mid-2010s onward, management increasingly emphasised ITV Studios and direct-to-consumer streaming as counterweights to dependence on traditional linear advertising. ITVX was introduced in 2022 as the group’s integrated streaming proposition and as the successor to ITV Hub. The company remains active, although its ownership and operating structure have been the subject of takeover speculation and proposed transactions. In 2025 ITV confirmed discussions concerning a possible sale of its Media and Entertainment division to Sky, while ITV Studios and the ITV corporate entity were to remain outside that proposed transaction. Any such transaction is subject to applicable regulatory approvals and should not be treated as completed unless officially confirmed.
History
The origins of ITV lay in Thailand's political debate after the Black May crisis of 1992. Public criticism of the established television system argued that state-linked channels had failed to provide sufficiently complete or independent reporting of the violence. The government therefore supported the creation of a commercial UHF station with explicit news and information obligations. The concession design attempted to prevent monopoly by requiring ten shareholders with equal holdings and by limiting any one shareholder's ownership to 10 percent. The station was also required to devote at least 70 percent of airtime to news and information, with entertainment capped at 30 percent. A Siam Commercial Bank-led group won the 1995 concession competition. The winning consortium included financial, media and production interests associated with Siam Commercial Bank, the Crown Property Bureau through an investment vehicle, Nation, Kantana, Daily News and other participating companies. The concession was awarded for 30 years, with the contract signed on July 3, 1995. The station began broadcasting under the iTV name on July 1, 1996, using UHF Channel 26. It moved to Channel 29 on August 1, 1999. During its early years, iTV developed a reputation for news, current affairs and investigative coverage. The same editorial model that differentiated it from other commercial stations also constrained its economics. The station had to carry a high proportion of comparatively expensive public-affairs content while paying substantial concession fees. The 1997 Asian financial crisis caused heavy losses and made the company's debt and concession obligations increasingly difficult to manage. Siam Commercial Bank, acting as a major shareholder and creditor, replaced Olarn Chaiyaprawat with Prakit Pratipasen as chairman and sought changes that would permit more concentrated ownership and stronger managerial control. The Cabinet approved amendments to the concession framework on February 1, 2000, and the contract was amended on April 25 of that year. In November 2000, Shin Corporation entered the ownership structure with a reported 39 percent interest, while Siam Commercial Bank converted debt to equity and gave Shin Corporation management rights. Shin Corporation subsequently became the dominant shareholder and appointed executives including Boonklee Plangsiri, Sanchai Tiewprasertkul and Songsak Premsuk. The change occurred during the period when Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai party were becoming increasingly influential, making iTV's ownership and editorial independence politically sensitive. ITV increased its registered capital and completed a public offering in early 2002. It was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in March 2002. A further capital increase in 2003 was connected with proposed participation by Tripop Limpat and Kantana. The station also changed its programming mix, adding more entertainment content. Those changes were commercially rational but created tension with the original concession requirement that at least 70 percent of programming be news and information. In 2004, Shin Corporation and ITV pursued arbitration against the Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister. The company sought a reduction in concession payments and amendments to the operating terms, arguing that other broadcasters faced less onerous financial arrangements. On January 30, 2004, the arbitration panel reduced the annual concession fee to 230 million baht, permitted a 50:50 information-to-entertainment schedule and awarded compensation to the company. The government challenged the award, arguing that the arbitrators had exceeded their authority by changing a state concession in a manner affecting the public interest. The Central Administrative Court ruled on May 9, 2006, that the arbitration award's key changes should be revoked. The court restored the original annual concession obligation and 70:30 programming ratio. ITV appealed, but the Supreme Administrative Court upheld the lower court on December 13, 2006. The judgment caused a severe market reaction and led the government to demand unpaid concession amounts, interest and contractual penalties. ITV could not sustainably operate under the restored terms. The government revoked the concession in early March 2007 and took over the station's operation. On March 8, the service was rebranded as Thailand Independent Television, or TITV. A government order later ended TITV broadcasting at shortly after midnight on January 15, 2008. Under Thailand's public-broadcasting legislation, the frequency and institutional role were transferred toward Thai PBS, which became the successor public-service broadcaster. Although its broadcasting business had ended, ITV Public Company Limited continued as a dormant corporate entity. It remained associated with Intouch Holdings, formerly Shin Corporation, and retained a public-company history even after its shares were delisted. In 2023, the entity returned to public attention after Pita Limjaroenrat disclosed inherited ITV shares in connection with Thailand's parliamentary and prime-ministerial politics. The controversy included debate over whether ITV still qualified as a media company and whether the company had been revived or re-described for political purposes. Intouch subsequently registered ITV's dissolution on September 17, 2024. ITV is now defunct as both a broadcaster and corporate operating business.
- 2024
ITV is registered for dissolution
[7]Intouch Holdings reported that ITV Public Company Limited registered its dissolution on September 17, 2024, beginning formal liquidation.
- 2023
Dormant ITV becomes part of Thailand's election controversy
[2]Inherited ITV shares held by Pita Limjaroenrat prompted disputes over the company's status as a media entity and whether it could affect parliamentary eligibility.
- 2014
ITV shares are delisted
[2]The dormant company's shares were reported as delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
- 2008
TITV closes and the frequency is redirected to public broadcasting
[2]The former iTV/TITV service closed on January 15, 2008, with the frequency later used by Thai PBS.
- 2007
iTV concession is revoked and the station becomes TITV
[2]The state took over the station and changed its name to Thailand Independent Television after the concession dispute escalated.
- 2006
Supreme Administrative Court restores original concession terms
[1]The Supreme Administrative Court upheld the reversal of the arbitration award on December 13, 2006.
- 2004
Arbitration changes concession economics
[1]An arbitration panel reduced the concession fee, relaxed the programming ratio and awarded compensation to ITV, subject to later court challenges.
- 2003
Registered capital is increased and programming becomes more commercial
[1]ITV approved a substantial capital increase and adjusted its schedule to include more entertainment programming, creating tension with the original concession ratio.
- 2002
ITV is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand
[5]The company completed a public offering and was listed on March 13, 2002.
- 2000
Government approves concession amendments
[1]The Cabinet approved changes intended to align the company with public-company and stock-exchange requirements, including ownership restructuring.
Products and positioning
Originally positioned as an independent, public-interest and news-led commercial television broadcaster; later repositioned toward a more commercially balanced television schedule before losing its concession and becoming a dormant corporate entity.
Free-to-air television broadcasting · 1996
iTV Television Station
The company's principal operating product was iTV, a Thai analogue free-to-air television station launched in 1996. It broadcast on the UHF band, initially using Channel 26 and later Channel 29. The service was designed around news, current affairs and public-interest information, with its original concession requiring at least 70 percent news and information content. It later expanded entertainment programming as the company attempted to improve its commercial performance.
Television news and journalism · 1996
iTV News and Current Affairs
News and current-affairs programming formed the central editorial proposition of iTV. The station was created partly in response to public dissatisfaction with the established television system's coverage of the 1992 Black May crisis. Its programming included public-affairs reporting, investigative journalism and information-oriented broadcasts intended to distinguish the service from more entertainment-led commercial channels.
Television entertainment · 2003
iTV Entertainment Programming
Entertainment programming was initially limited by the concession's 70:30 news-to-entertainment requirement. Following financial distress, ownership changes and the 2004 arbitration decision, the station pursued a more commercially balanced schedule. Entertainment became more prominent during the early 2000s, although the change later contributed to the legal dispute over whether ITV had breached its concession terms.
Government-operated television service · 2007
Thailand Independent Television (TITV)
TITV was the transitional successor to iTV after the government revoked the commercial concession in 2007. It operated under government control rather than as ITV's commercial service and continued temporarily on the former station's frequency. TITV closed in January 2008, after which the frequency and public-service broadcasting function were transferred into Thai PBS.
Controversies
2023
ITV dormant-company controversy involving Pita Limjaroenrat
ITV returned to political controversy after Pita Limjaroenrat disclosed inherited shares. Public debate focused on whether the dormant company remained a media business, whether its corporate description had been changed to support that interpretation, and whether the shares affected his eligibility for political office.
2020
ITV discloses errors affecting postal competition entries
ITV said an internal audit found administrative errors in six premium-rate competitions since 2014, in which some free postal entries were not included. ITV said it had implemented measures to address the problem.
2020
ITV apologizes and re-edits Saturday Night Takeaway segment
ITV apologized for costumes worn during the show that featured the Rising Sun flag, saying the mistake was unintended, and said it had taken steps to re-edit the segment for ITV Hub and repeat broadcasts.
2020
ITV apologizes over The Masked Singer panel error
ITV apologized after Jonathan Ross suggested that Natalie Cole, who died in 2015, could be the singer performing as Daisy on The Masked Singer.
2006
Concession-fee and programming-ratio dispute
The dispute over concession payments, programming obligations, arbitration authority and alleged contractual breaches became the central institutional crisis of ITV's operating history. Court rulings restored the original concession terms and exposed the company to major payment and penalty claims.
2000
Political and ownership concerns following Shin Corporation's acquisition
Shin Corporation's acquisition of a controlling or dominant influence in ITV, during the rise of Thaksin Shinawatra and the Thai Rak Thai party, generated continuing concerns about media independence and political influence.
1996
Unpublished investigation into the concession bidding process
The selection of the winning consortium and the difference between competing royalty offers reportedly prompted a government investigation. The referenced material states that the results were never made public.
Marketing campaigns
- 1996Independent news and public-affairs launch positioning
Thailand
At launch, iTV presented itself as a commercially operated but editorially independent television station emphasizing news, current affairs, investigative reporting and public-interest information.
Outcome. The positioning gave iTV a distinct identity in Thai television, but the news-heavy concession model contributed to long-term financial pressure.
Brand decisions
2024
Corporate dissolution and liquidationOtherBackground
After the television operation had ended and the company had remained dormant for years, its parent group moved to terminate the legal entity.
Action taken
ITV Public Company Limited registered its dissolution on September 17, 2024, initiating the formal liquidation process.
Aftermath
ITV ceased to exist as an operating corporate brand and remains a defunct historical media company.
2007
Concession revocation and transition to TITVOtherBackground
The Supreme Administrative Court upheld the restoration of the original concession terms, while ITV faced demands for unpaid fees and contractual penalties.
Action taken
The government revoked the concession, took over the station and renamed it Thailand Independent Television.
Aftermath
The commercial iTV operation ended, and the state-controlled TITV service later gave way to Thai PBS in 2008.
2004
Arbitration challenge to concession fees and operating termsStrategyBackground
ITV argued that its concession burden was disproportionate to the terms faced by other Thai television operators and sought relief from the government contract.
Action taken
The company pursued arbitration requesting a lower annual concession fee and permission to alter its news-to-entertainment mix.
Aftermath
The arbitration panel granted major relief, but the government challenged the award and the courts later restored the original concession framework.
Arbitration-approved annual concession fee. 1000000000 baht per year → 230000000 baht per year (January 30, 2004 arbitration award)
2003
Programming schedule is expanded toward entertainmentGeneration changeBackground
ITV attempted to improve its commercial performance and respond to financial pressure after ownership and capital restructuring.
Action taken
The station adjusted its schedule and increased entertainment programming, while continuing to work with production partners including Kantana and Tripop Limpat.
Aftermath
The change improved the station's commercial orientation but became central to later allegations that ITV had breached its original 70:30 concession programming ratio.
2000
Relaxation of ownership restrictions and management transfer to Shin CorporationStrategyBackground
The company faced large losses after the Asian financial crisis and sought outside capital and stronger management control.
Action taken
The government approved concession amendments, ownership restrictions were relaxed, and Shin Corporation acquired a major interest and management influence.
Aftermath
ITV gained access to a larger corporate group but became more politically sensitive because of Shin Corporation's association with Thaksin Shinawatra's family.
Shin Corporation stake purchase. 1600000000 baht for a reported 39 percent interest (November 2000)
1995
Bid for a news-led UHF television concessionStrategyBackground
The government sought a new free-to-air UHF service after criticism of the established television channels' coverage of the 1992 political violence.
Action taken
A Siam Commercial Bank-led consortium won the 30-year concession and established the operating company that became ITV Public Company Limited.
Aftermath
The station launched in 1996 with a strong independent-news identity but inherited demanding programming and concession obligations.
Total concession value. 25200000000 baht (1995 concession award)
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Reported
ITV acquires crime thriller The Galway Bay Murders[12]
ITV has acquired The Galway Bay Murders, a new six-part crime thriller starring Kate Mulgrew and Colm Meaney, to air on ITV1 and STV and to stream on ITVX.
Reported
ITV acquires Northanger Abbey for ITVX streaming[13]
ITV has acquired the 2007 television adaptation of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, which will be available to stream on ITVX from 24 September 2026.
Reported
ITV announces ITVX streaming service[14]
ITV announced ITVX, a streaming service with free ad-supported and optional subscription tiers, which is planned to replace ITV Hub and ITV Hub+ later in 2022.
Reported
ITV reports higher annual profits[15]
ITV reported a 48% increase in pre-tax profits to £480 million for the year, with operating profits up 46% to £519 million.
Reported
ITV announces ITVX on-demand platform plan[15]
ITV unveiled plans for ITVX, a new on-demand platform that it said it would launch in the fourth quarter. The platform is planned to integrate advertising-based and subscription video-on-demand streaming in the UK.
Reported
NEP Connect to supply ITV News with a new vehicle fleet[16]
NEP Connect is building and supplying ITV News with a fleet of news-gathering vehicles as part of a five-year, multi-million-pound deal. The fleet includes plug-in hybrid vehicles intended to cover live regional and national news across the UK.
Reported
Lidl sponsors The Masked Dancer[17]
Lidl was announced as a sponsor of ITV show The Masked Dancer, with sponsorship idents featuring a masked goose and clues related to Lidl products.
Reported
M&S sponsors and co-develops Cooking with the Stars[18]
Marks & Spencer is sponsoring the ITV celebrity cooking show Cooking with the Stars, which it jointly developed with producer South Shore. The series was due to air in summer 2021.
Reported
ITV announces investment in what3words[19]
ITV announced that it was acquiring a £2 million minority stake in what3words in exchange for advertising inventory, with an option to invest a further £2 million.
ITV appoints Ade Rawcliffe as Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion[20]
ITV appointed Ade Rawcliffe as Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion. She will report to the Group CEO and join the Management Board.
Sources24 sources
- 1ITV (company)en.wikipedia.org
- 2ITV (Thailand)en.wikipedia.org
- 3ITV Public Company Limited and Its Subsidiary: Financial Statements with Auditor's Reportitv.co.th
- 4ITV Public Company Limited filing recordsmarket.sec.or.th
- 5ITV Public Company Limited annual filingcapital.sec.or.th
- 6Notification of the New Management Structureinvestor.ais.co.th
- 7Intouch reports registration of ITV dissolutionmatichon.co.th
- 8Thai Public Broadcasting Service historyen.wikipedia.org
- 9ITV discloses errors affecting postal competition entriesbbc.co.uk
- 10ITV apologizes and re-edits Saturday Night Takeaway segmenthellomagazine.com
- 11ITV apologizes over The Masked Singer panel errorbbc.co.uk
- 12ITV购入犯罪惊悚剧《戈尔韦湾谋杀案》atvtoday.co.uk
- 13ITV收购《诺桑觉寺》并在ITVX上线atvtoday.co.uk
- 14ITV宣布推出ITVX流媒体服务whathifi.com
- 15ITV公布年度利润增长yorkshirepost.co.uk
- 16NEP Connect将为ITV News供应新车队broadcastnow.co.uk
- 17Lidl赞助《The Masked Dancer》thegrocer.co.uk
- 18M&S赞助并共同开发《Cooking with the Stars》thegrocer.co.uk
- 19ITV宣布投资 what3wordsthemarketreporter.co.uk
- 20ITV任命Ade Rawcliffe为集团多元化与包容总监advanced-television.com
- 21Casillero del Diablo在英国推出电视广告活动thedrinksbusiness.com
- 22The TV Collective宣布与广播机构及BFI合作举办线上活动voice-online.co.uk
- 23斯里兰卡旅游促进局与 ITV 合作推广旅游目的地bizenglish.adaderana.lk
- 24The Masked Singer: ITV apologises for Jonathan Ross’ Natalie Cole blundersmoothradio.com
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