ITV is expected to reach a deal with Sky over the future of its joint venture Granada Sky Broadcasting before Christmas.
ITV is in talks with the broadcaster about ditching their Granada Plus station in favour of a new channel called ITV3, previously ITV Gold.
Granada Plus has existing programming contracts with ITV which would be required for the new station, only possible if Sky gives co-operation. As a result Sky is expected to have a stake in the new channel, due for launch in the first half of next year.
As well as ITV3, Sky may also be involved in ITV's other new channel, ITV Kids, planned for next Autumn.
It is likely that any deal would also see ITV2 take the place of Granada Plus in the Sky EPG, a more prominent position than it currently holds.
ITV is in talks with the broadcaster about ditching their Granada Plus station in favour of a new channel called ITV3, previously ITV Gold.
Granada Plus has existing programming contracts with ITV which would be required for the new station, only possible if Sky gives co-operation. As a result Sky is expected to have a stake in the new channel, due for launch in the first half of next year.
As well as ITV3, Sky may also be involved in ITV's other new channel, ITV Kids, planned for next Autumn.
It is likely that any deal would also see ITV2 take the place of Granada Plus in the Sky EPG, a more prominent position than it currently holds.
