ITV set to introduce 'pay per view' system

The British channel ITV is planning a massive big shake-up to boost revenue over the next five years, and is considering making viewers pay out for their favourite shows, including 'The X Factor', 'Britain's Got Talent', 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' and long-running soap 'Coronation Street'.

A source revealed to the Daily Star newspaper: "This is going to rock television. Viewers aren't going to be happy that they'll have to pay for some of their favourite shows.

"But if it's a success it could secure the channel's finances."

It is believed that sister channels ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 could also introduce the new system.

ITV produced a loss of £2.7bn in 2008 but returned a profit of £25m last year.

No specific details for the 'pay per view' system have been revealed but Chairman Archie Norman and chief executive Adam Crozier are due to present a report to The City stating that the station can no longer survive on advertising funds and outlining a new five-year plan.

The TV strategy cannot be implemented until at least 2014 as the broadcaster is legally required to keep ITV free on terrestrial TV until then.