ITV chief quits

Under-pressure ITV chief executive Charles Allen stepped down today after two and a half years at the helm of the commercial broadcaster.

Mr Allen has come under pressure from low viewing figures and declining advertising revenues at the company’s flagship channel ITV1.

Shareholders have also been concerned he has been slow to respond to new media and the threats and opportunities presented by it.

Mr Allen has been at Granada and lately ITV plc for 15 years – 10 of which were as chairman or chief executive. He was a key player in the merger of Granada and Carlton to create a single ITV plc in early 2004.