5 March 2012

UTV Media plc

("UTV" or the "Company")

UTV Signs New Network Arrangements With ITV plc

UTV Media plc is pleased to announce that its Television division, UTV Limited has signed new network arrangements for the provision of Channel 3 programmes and services with ITV plc, subject to regulatory approval.

The Network Affiliate Agreement (NAA) proposed by UTV and ITV plc to replace the current Networking Arrangements (NWA) wouldretain the essence of the NWA - a common coordinated pan-UK service capable of competing effectively with other national services - but has an updated structure which is consistent with the broadcasting, new media, technological and regulatory realities of Channel 3 today.

The new affiliate relationship between ITV plc and UTV would reflect the reality of ITV's role and responsibility as the principal driving force behind the Channel 3 schedule in terms of funding, acquisition and scheduling of content. UTV, as an affiliate of ITV plc, would purchase programme rights to the network schedule for an agreed fixed fee at the commencement date of the NAA. ITV plc will assume full responsibility for the actual costs of the network schedule.

Further agreements in relation to the distribution of UTV channels on various platforms, new media programme rights, and a new national sales agreement with ITV plc have also been agreed, subject to the NAA receiving regulatory approval:

• A New Media Rights Agreement - grants UTV access to all ITV 1 programming for use on the UTV Player in Northern Ireland.

• An Operational Agreement - will ensure the distribution of UTV HD on Sky and freesat in Northern Ireland as well as the current service on Virgin and when digital switchover takes place in October 2012 on Freeview.

• A new Sales Agreement means ITV plc will continue to handle UTV's national advertising sales.

If the new NAA is approved by Ofcom, these new agreements would run until the end of the current UTV licence in 2014 and any future licences awarded to UTV until 2024.

John McCann, Chief Executive of UTV, commented:

"We are delighted to agree new terms with ITV plc for the future provision of programming, transmission and sales services to UTV as the Channel 3 licence holder in Northern Ireland.

"The proposed new agreements retain the strength offered by the original Channel 3 regional partnerships in the ITV Network but provide the flexibility required for public service broadcasters to operate more effectively in today's market on all platforms.

"UTV is totally committed to providing Northern Ireland with quality public service programming in the future as we have for more than 50 years."

Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of ITV plc, said:

"We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with UTV under a new affiliate agreement. This agreement, which is still subject to regulatory approval, represents a major milestone for us as it consolidates and simplifies the ITV Network."

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV Television said:

"UTV is by far the most watched channel in Northern Ireland, delivering the best of ITV network programming with high quality news, current affairs and diverse regional programmes which reflect a modern Northern Ireland which is core to the channel's success. 

"We are especially pleased to plan the launch of UTV HD on both Sky and DTT by the end of this year, to complement the existing UTV HD service available to Virgin customers in Northern Ireland."

-Ends-

For further information contact:

UTV Media plc

Michael Wilson

Managing Director, Television

+44 (0) 28 9026 2053

Orla McKibbin

Head of Communications

+44 (0) 28 9026 2188

Maitland PR

Tom Buchanan / Rowan Brown

+44 (0) 20 7379 5151