Crozier on Channel 5, Sky, ABC1s and Social Media

During the course of Adam Crozier’s interview at the MediaTel TV Summit on Thursday he was asked by Raymond Snoddy why ITV did not buy Channel 5.

“We did look at it, but there were a number of reasons why we decided not to. We wanted to re-balance the business, away from reliance on free-to-air advertising, but the main reason was from a regulatory point of view, it could have been tricky… and we have other priorities.”

Crozier said any ITV bid would have definitely been referred to the Competition Commission, and might have taken years to be decided on, but he was adamant that Richard Desmond will make money…”and very quickly.”

With regard to Sky, Snoddy asked about future relationships. “We do partner with Sky, and could partner them more. It is not friend or foe in TV now, it’s quite normal to partner in some areas, then be a direct competitor in other areas. Media will go this way more and more.”

“Turning to programming, you are criticised for not attracting enough ABC1 viewers, yet ITV stopped the South Bank Show,” said Snoddy.

Crozier pointed out that the South Bank decision was before his arrival, but agreed that ITV need the right mix of programming. One new strand of programmes planned was a series of one-off arts programmes not unlike The South Bank Show, he told delegates.

The ITV CEO was also very open about the fact he does not tweet, is not on LinkedIn, and not on Facebook.

“I know how they work; I don’t need to know how to use them.”