This Day in History: 1991-10-16

Following changes to the system of ITV licence allocation laid out in The Broadcasting Act 1990, the Independent Television Commission today announced the results of the franchise round, for licences beginning 1st January 1993.

– Thames – the biggest programme supplier to the ITV network – was outbid by broadcasting and media services company, Carlton Television.

– TV-am was outbid by £20m by Sunrise TV.

– TVS failed to renew its licence because it bid too much – Meridian Broadcasting won that franchise.

– TSW lost out to Westcountry TV, despite bidding more.

RELATED ARTICLE: Reflections on the 1991 franchise auction.