A spokeswoman for ITV4 said that the company is currently involved in negotiations with Sky. However, the satellite company has told ITV that due to administrative issues, it is unlikely to be able to air ITV4 until November 7.
To many, the news will come as little surprise given that Sky is set to launch its own free-to-view channel Sky Three the day before ITV4 goes live.
The delay will fuel speculation that Sky is deliberately stalling on the basis that ITV4 will undermine viewing figures for its own launch.
However, the ITV4 spokeswoman said that there is a possibility of the two pulling off a last-minute deal.
ITV4 is being predominantly targeted at a male audience. It will broadcast a variety of drama, comedy, films and sport, including the new 'Kojak' starring Ving Rhames and live and exclusive coverage of the Uefa Champions League.
Sky Three will become the new name for Sky Travel. The channel will provide digital and Freeview viewers with a mix of programmes from the Sky One archive as well as original lifestyle commissions and travel documentaries from Sky Travel.
When ITV3 launched last year, it only became available on Sky follwoing a last-minute deal that saw ITV buy Sky Ventures' 49.5% stake in Granada Sky Broadcasting.
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