Speaking today at the Media Summit in London, he said any combination between the three broadcasters would raise competition concerns and present cultural and financial clashes. Five chief executive Dawn Airey yesterday said she expects the broadcaster to merge with Channel 4. Also, according to reports, ITV has drawn up a plan for a three-way merger with Channel 4 and Five.
However, Johnson explained that due to ITV's multimillion pension deficit, working with the beleaguered broadcaster on any sort of merger would be an "enormous poisoned pill" and it would be difficult to strike a deal with the shareholders of ITV. He added: "On a personal basis, I don't see a lot of value in equity in ITV."
Talking about a potential tie-up with Five, he expressed concerns about balancing Channel 4's public service commitments with becoming part of a commercial organisation.
Channel 4 favours a merger or some form of combination with BBC Worldwide to secure its future. And Johnson said that should such a deal prove impossible, he would prefer a "proper auction" of Channel 4 to get a decent price for the broadcaster, rather than a "messy deal".
However, he said he did not think such a plan was on the political agenda, adding: "I happen to think, after extensive discussions with politicians on all sides, there is currently no appetite at Westminster to privatise Channel 4. But if our political masters decide to do that, don't fudge it with a messy deal that neither secures PSB output nor the highest price for the taxpayer."
He added that talks with BBC Worldwide were progressing and he believed there was "goodwill to reach a worthwhile agreement" between the two parties within the given timeframe. Johnson said other options must be considered, but it was the "best bet" so far in his opinion.
The Government has asked for responses to the interim Digital Britain report by 12 March.
Johnson also said Channel 4 did not have the money at the moment to bid for Virgin Media's 50% stake in UKTV, adding that maybe one day it would bid for it, but not now.
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