ITV Digital to be sold as going concern

ITV Digital is to be sold as a going concern but administrators say the service to customers will continue.

Administrators Deloitte & Touche say it hasn't been possible to restructure the cost base of ITV Digital.

ITV Digital, co-owned by broadcasters Granada and Carlton Communications, was put into voluntary administration last month.

Administrator Nick Dargan says "We are now in discussions with the Independent Television Commission about an accelerated process leading to a sale as a going concern. We expect to make an announcement about the process on Thursday."

The move came as ITV Digital said it could not afford to pay the Football League the remaining £178 million it owes on a three-year contract to show Nationwide League games.

Viewers who get TV services via ITV Digital would not lose them while the sale process goes on, the Independent Television Commission says.

The ITC spokesman added in a statement: "A more detailed announcement about the process will be made on Thursday April 25."