Carlton Communications and Granada, the joint owners of ITV Digital, are now "emotionally prepared" to close the broadcaster down, according to a report in the Financial Times.
ITV Digital is said to be continuing this weekend in its attempts to convince the Football League to accept its £50m payment for two years' worth of Nationwide Football League TV coverage, despite the league's rejection of the offer yesterday. However, if this fails, ITV Digital could be put into administration.
ITV Digital had originally agreed a £315m three-year deal with the league, of which it still owes £180m.
Football League chairman Keith Harris said: "Nobody should be in any doubt that, if this contract is not honoured, there will be widespread bankruptcies in many local communities, and football will be left desolated. In such circumstances, Carlton Communications, Granada and ITV Digital will bear a heavy responsibility."
Granada and Carlton have poured £800m into ITV Digital, which has had disappointing subscription uptake and viewing figures. With another £300m in funding needed before it breaks even, Granada and Carlton have hired Deloitte & Touche to restructure ITV Digital to make it more economically viable.
Shares in both companies fell when the market opened this morning. Carlton was down by 2.2% on yesterday's close at 269p, while Granada was off by 0.3% at 147.75p.
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