ISBA rethinks stance on a merged ITV

The Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA) is reconsidering its stance on the issue of the consolidation of ITV and is planning for the possibility of it becoming a reality.

It is understood that the body’s Television Action Group, which has been intractably opposed to consolidation of ITV sales houses, is considering acknowledging that it will eventually happen.

The body is contemplating how best to encourage increasing competition within the market from other commercial broadcasters, including channels 4 and 5.

However, it is expected that the group will also continue to make it clear that, in principle, it is opposed to consolidation.

ISBA director of media and advertising affairs Bob Wootton denies there is a major review under way. But he adds: “We review all these things all the time. Our position is certainly evolving because of the landscape changing.”