Extra cash for ITV1 programmes

ITV1 is to plough nearly £60m (€85.5m) extra into programmes over the next 12 months, network chiefs confirmed today.

Shareholders agreed to the 7% increase which comes after ITV’s principal players Carlton and Granada were given the go-ahead for a merger subject to safeguards.

ITV said cash will be diverted to entertainment, comedy and factual programmes to “maximise opportunities” created by the move of the late new bulletin to 10.30pm.

Bosses said the increase “secures” ITV1’s investment in original drama, including Prime Suspect 6, a second series of hit First World War drama Foyle’s War and Life Begins, made by the creator of Cold Feet.

New shows include Holiday Showdown from the makers of Wife Swap and a landmark natural history series Jungle.

Charles Allen, chief executive designate of ITV plc – the new company to be former by the merger – said: “We have made clear our commitment to shaping a stronger ITV delivering high quality television to viewers and advertisers.

“With greater programme investment than any other commercial broadcaster in Europe, ITV1 has the resources to deliver a winning schedule for the future.

“This announcement is good news for ITV1’s commissioning team, for programme makers and particularly for our viewers.”