Gogglebox’s fate confirmed after Channel 4 raised concerns over ITV move | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
ITV is no longer “actively exploring” the possible acquisition of All3Media which makes Gogglebox, it has been reported.
The network said “it continues to monitor but is no longer actively exploring the possible acquisition of All3Media.”
Bosses told Proactive it “assesses all potential value-creating M&A opportunities against its strict financial criteria and disciplined capital allocation framework.”
It comes after a Channel 4 source reportedly “expressed fears” over the impact of ITV looking to recruit Gogglebox’s producer.
ITV had confirmed it was looking into a potential bid to buy production company All3Media which is behind shows including Call The Midwife.
If the This Morning network bought the firm it would own the rights to all of its programming.
According to The Metro, the network reportedly already attempted to poach Gogglebox from Channel 4 earlier this year.
However, the Channel 4 source shared concerns over the repercussions of ITV owning All3Media could have on the “broadcasting landscape” on Thursday.
“All3Media are a big supplier for us and we’d certainly want that to continue,” they told The Telegraph.
“You can see why ITV would want to buy it – it is a great company and it fits in with their own diversification strategy.”
Express.co.uk has contacted ITV and Channel 4 for comment.
In June, Deadline reported ITV’s managing director Kevin Lygo approached Gogglebox which comes up for renewal every three years.
However, the publication understood at the time Gogglebox will continue to air on Channel 4.
Channel 4 viewers have been tuning into Gogglebox for the past decade and the celebrity spin-off is also a hit.
The reality programme of regulars watching television features the Malone family, best pals Jenny Newby and Lee Riley and sisters Ellie Warner and Izzi Warner.
The series has won a host of awards in recent years, including the factual award at the National Television Awards 2021 and a BAFTA Award the following year.
Gogglebox and Celebrity Gogglebox episodes are available to watch on All4.
