BBC chief backs Channel 4/Five merger

January 12, 2009 Thompson's comments come as the government and regulators prepare to unveil their proposals for Britain's public service broadcasters amid a climate of economic gloom and digital uncertainty. Consolidation (for 4 and Five) could offer the prospect of both short- and long-term benefits: immediate cost savings and an increase in scale in key markets from advertising sales to program acquisition," the BBC boss wrote, saying the plans would also allow "a smaller number of larger players to focus on credible and affordable digital plans. In his Financial Times article Thompson said ITV should see its regulatory burden shed and should have more freedom about how it sells its advertising, saying it made "good sense to look at the question again" given the "multiple threats ITV faces and pressures on its program budget."

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