The end of lengthy searches for top bosses at blue chips ITV and Marks & Spencer provided the focus in an otherwise quiet session for the FTSE 100 Index today.

Former British Conservative MP Archie Norman was today named as the new chairman of ITV following the broadcaster’s protracted search to replace Michael Grade.

Broadcaster ITV’s succession soap opera took a new twist today as another leading candidate for the chairman’s role ruled himself out of the running.

ITV’s long-running succession drama has encountered fresh troubles after Crispin Davis bowed out of chairmanship negotiations, it was reported today.

Broadcaster ITV today blamed “substantial differences” as it said it had abandoned discussions with Tony Ball about becoming its next chief executive.

Big name television shows like 'Britain’s Got Talent' will help ITV to a successful future, the broadcaster said today, after revealing plans for another £40m (€44.5m) in cost savings.

Broadcaster ITV is considering the sale of the social networking site Friends Reunited, it was reported today.

The Football Association have demanded an explanation from ITV over the blunder that prevented some fans from watching the winning goal in last night’s Merseyside derby.

Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand are in the running for gongs at the British Comedy Awards tonight.

ITV’s executive chairman Michael Grade suggested today that the broadcaster could hand over responsibility for regional news to another organisation.

Broadcaster ITV and Carphone Warehouse are to be evicted from the FTSE 100 Index after the latest quarterly reshuffle, it was confirmed today.

Broadband provider Carphone Warehouse and broadcaster ITV were today among the blue-chip firms facing possible relegation from the FTSE 100 Index.

British broadcaster ITV said today that underlying profits for the half year to June 30 slumped 28% as it battled an advertising slowdown.

Shares in broadcaster ITV jumped today after the boss of Big Brother producer Endemol refused to rule out a possible takeover bid for the company.

Blue chip banks suffered heavy losses on the London market today as fresh fears over Barclays’ balance sheet put the sector under pressure.

Broadcaster ITV said its turnaround plan was on track today as it looked set to outperform the UK advertising market for the first time in eight years.

ITV chief Michael Grade earned nearly £2m (€2.5m) last year despite a 20% fall in the broadcaster’s share price, it was revealed today.

ITV has retained the rights to show midweek Uefa Champions League football matches, the broadcaster announced today.

The FTSE 100 Index broke a week-long losing streak today as takeover talk in the property sector and early advances for US markets lifted blue-chip stocks.

The London market was in positive territory today as takeover rumours fuelled interest in property stocks.

ITV boss Michael Grade today announced a 35% fall in annual profits following his first full year in charge at the commercial broadcaster.

ITV boss Michael Grade is to extend his stay at the head of the broadcaster for a further year, the company said today.

ITV was given a boost today after regulators announced plans to review the broadcaster’s onerous advertising regime.

ITV today agreed to buy the production company behind BBC game shows Eggheads and Who Dares Wins in a deal worth up to £35m (€48.5m).

British television presenters Ant and Dec are to donate profits from the next series of their show Saturday Night Takeaway as a “gesture of goodwill” after the ITV phone-in investigation, they announced today.

PRESSURE intensified on ITV bosses to take responsibility for the spate of phone-in scandals yesterday after chairman Michael Grade admitted he would have resigned if he had been chief executive at the time of the deceit.

ITV sparked criticism today after announcing plans to cut its regional news bulletins.

ITV boss Michael Grade today pledged to invest in original programming under a “self-help” plan to revive the broadcaster.

The FTSE 100 Index closed 1% lower today as jittery investors reacted to a lacklustre start to trading in New York.

Broadcaster ITV received a boost today after the British consumer affairs watchdog said it would review rules restricting how much it can charge for advertising at its main ITV1 channel.

ITV chairman Michael Grade pointed today to early signs of recovery at the troubled broadcaster after an uplift in advertising and audience figures.

ITV announced a slide in profits today but said it had seen signs of recovery after the performance of its flagship ITV1 channel stabilised.

As someone who never criticises artistic talent in public, Michael Grade stopped short of naming the TV turkeys that had raised his ire during his first two months as executive chairman of ITV.

The London market kept hold of gains from its previous session today as investors appeared determined to recoup recent falls.

New ITV boss Michael Grade highlighted a “lack of innovation” in programming today after the broadcaster announced a sharp fall in annual profits.

Weaker property and pharmaceutical stocks ensured the London market finished an uncertain session in negative territory today.

The task facing ITV’s new executive chairman Michael Grade was pulled into sharper focus today as the broadcaster reported falling advertising income.

The FTSE 100 Index edged towards 6100 today as traders were left unmoved by Gordon Brown’s tenth Pre-Budget Report.

Hopes of higher than expected annual profits at Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) boosted banking stocks today.

Cable operator NTL said today that it had abandoned its £4.7bn (€6.9bn) bid for ITV.

A takeover bid for Scottish Power and the dramatic appointment of a new boss at ITV failed to lift the London market today as a weakening US dollar continued to take its toll.

The FTSE 100 Index halted its recent slide today as investors clung to hopes that the market was over the worst of its dollar-led worries.

BBC chairman Michael Grade shocked the media industry today by taking the top job at rival ITV.

BBC chairman Michael Grade has resigned to take up a top post at rivals ITV, it was reported tonight.