OT: ITV on Sky Digital Press Release

["Geraint Morris" <lists@xxxxxxx>]

21 November 2001

ITV SIGNS SKY DIGITAL CARRIAGE AGREEMENTS

ITV today announced that it has signed agreements with BSkyB for carriage
of
ITV1 and ITV2 on Sky Digital.

ITV1 will launch immediately (Wednesday 21 November) on digital satellite
with 16 regional services, comprising each of the 14 ITV regions and
separate services for Border England and Border Scotland and for HTV Wales
and HTV West.  A Conditional Access (CA) agreement means that ITV1 will be
available to all satellite viewers, with the main service in each region
available on the Sky Digital Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) on channel
103.

ITV2 will launch in the coming days on Sky Digital on channel 226.  ITV2 is
a general entertainment channel that broadcasts repeat and first-run ITV
programming in addition to original commissions and acquisitions.  It is
currently available on ITV Digital and on most cable systems.  Carriage on
Sky Digital will increase ITV2's distribution by over 150%.

Stuart Prebble, ITV Chief Executive said:

"This is good news for satellite viewers, who will be able to watch
ITV1 and
ITV2 through the Sky Digital EPG with digital quality pictures and full
programme information.  It's also good for ITV, which benefits from the
"digital dividend" which we receive for encouraging digital
viewing. Over
time ITV will also benefit from revenues from interactive programming and
advertising.

"I'm delighted that ITV2 will now be available to the majority of
multi-channel viewers. The channel is already a growth story, and this
dramatic increase in distribution will allow it to realise its potential.
In
this competitive multi-channel world this deal will increase both the
distribution and visibility of our channels."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1 Most viewers will be able to see their local ITV1 service on channel 103
on the Sky Digital EPG.  In regions where viewers can usually receive 2 or
3
different regional services, ITV has ensured that these are available on
digital satellite.  The main regional service will be found on channel 103,
and the other services will be available through channels 963 or 964 on the
Sky Digital EPG.

2. ITV2 is currently available on ITV Digital and in approximately 70% of
cable homes.  In October ITV2 achieved its highest monthly audience share
since launch.  This year to date its audience share has increased by over
60% compared to the same period in 2000.