Channel 4 source reportedly expressed apprehension about the implications of ITV’s intent to acquire Gogglebox’s producer.
The broadcaster behind This Morning confirmed that it was actively considering a bid to purchase All3Media, responsible for producing other popular shows like The Traitors and Call The Midwife.
If ITV, known for Love Island, acquires the company, which may be valued over £1 billion, it will also be the proprietor of all its programming. This means its shows would either be exclusive to ITV or sold to other networks.
Earlier this year, ITV reportedly made a move to lure Gogglebox from Channel 4. Purchasing All3Media could indeed facilitate this shift.
A Channel 4 insider voiced concerns over the potential effect of ITV having ownership over All3Media, suggesting it could be detrimental to competition.
Speaking to The Telegraph, they said: ‘All3 are a major supplier for us and we definitely want that to continue. It’s clear why ITV would want to acquire it; it’s an excellent company and aligns with their own diversification strategy.
Adding All3 to ITV Studios would create a formidable entity in the UK production market, maintaining robust competition in the industry is something we always advocate for.’
According to a report by Deadline last month, ITV’s managing director Kevin Lygo made an approach to Gogglebox, a show whose contract with Channel 4 renews every three years, midway through this term.
The publication understood then that Gogglebox will still be broadcast on Channel 4, and the show has recently been airing on the It’s A Sin network.
The successful reality show, which boasts stars like best friends Jenny and Lee, sisters Ellie and Izzi, and The Malone Family, has garnered numerous accolades in the recent years. These include the factual award at the National Television Awards 2021 and the reality and constructed factual award at the Bafta TV Awards the next year.
The celebrity version of the show has featured famous faces like Rylan Clark, Roman Kemp, and Shaun Ryder as TV armchair critics.
All4 offers Gogglebox for streaming.
