ITV is eyeing up Channel 4, which could be privatised following a Government review.
FTSE 100-listed ITV is among several potential bidders circling the channel, which took The Great British Bake Off from the BBC.
Cooking up a takeover?: ITV is among several potential bidders circling Channel 4, which took The Great British Bake Off from the BBC
Others watching in the wings are thought to include Sky and former Channel 4 boss Lord Grade – who also chaired the BBC and ITV – through his company Miroma, The Sunday Times reported.
A takeover would be an audacious move from ITV, which is worth £4.2billion and led by Dame Carolyn McCall.
It has tried to wean itself off ad revenue by producing hit shows for customers such as Netflix.
In charge: A takeover would be an audacious move from ITV, which is worth £4.2billion and led by Dame Carolyn McCall
Channel 4 is state-owned but funded by adverts. Ministers began consulting on its future last month, and once this is completed the industry expects the Government to pull the trigger on a sale.