BDB to challenge digital TV licence bid

IN BRIEF

Rival business groups bidding for digital terrestrial television licences stepped up their battle over the weekend as news emerged that British Digital Broadcasting (BDB) was likely to challenge Digital Television Network's (DTN) bid in writing. This will represent BDB's response to a letter from the Independent Television Commission (ITC) last week asking for comments on whether United News & Media's involvement with DTN constituted a "material change" to DTN's proposal.

United, Lord Hollick's media company, said earlier this month that it would take a 30 per cent stake in DTN if the latter won the digital terrestrial licence. The investment would amount to pounds 120m over four years. BDB is owned by Carlton Communications, Granada and BSkyB.