ITV and BBC consider UKTV joint venture

ITV is considering entering into a £1billion joint venture with the BBC by buying half of the Dave broadcaster UKTV, in a move to fortify British television against the increasing power of US tech giants. It is thought that the long-standing rivals are considering a deal that could redraw battle lines and accelerate attempts to create a home-grown competitor to Netflix. The window of opportunity to seal the partnership will close within a fortnight, however. UKTV is currently owned by the BBC and Discovery, the US pay-tv company behind Eurosport. Business, Page 1