ITV Shareholders May Force Allen Out

LONDON, June 27:
Speculation in London’s City has it that ITV chief executive Charles Allen may
be ousted by ITV’s shareholders if the broadcaster doesn’t improve its financial
performance.

Audience shares and
advertising revenues at the U.K.’s leading commercial broadcaster have
continued to be disappointing—especially at the flagship network ITV1.

ITV will announce interim
results on August 9. If the numbers are not satisfactory, shareholders may ask
Allen to step down.

Earlier this year, Allen
fought off a takeover attempt from a venture capital consortium led by former
BBC director general Greg Dyke.

Rumor has it that of ITV’s
results are disappointing, ITV shareholders may be open to consider new bids.