Formation 1981; 36 years ago (1981) Type Affiliation of broadcasters | ||
United Kingdom Independent Broadcasting (or UKIB) is an affiliation of three British independent television production companies and broadcasters. Its predecessor's (Independent Television Companies' Association - ITCA) primary function was to represent independent British television interests as a member of the European Broadcasting Union. The members of UKIB are The ITV Network Centre, the 17 ITV Companies, Channel 4 and S4C.
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History
UKIB was formed in 1981 when the Association of Independent Radio Contractors (AIRC) was admitted as an active member of the EBU. Then it replaced IBA/ITCA as the second British EBU member. ITCA had been admitted as a full active EBU member, together with the Independent Television Authority (ITA) in 1959. AIRC became Commercial Radio Companies' Association (CRCA) in 1996. CRCA cancelled its EBU membership by the end of 2002.
Digital channels
Besides the main ITV, Channel 4 and S4C channels there are several digital only channels which are ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV owned by ITV plc and E4, More4 and Film4 operated by Channel 4. These channels are also members of UKIB and as such are also part of the European Broadcasting Union.
Eurovision Song Contest
The United Kingdom's entries in the Eurovision Song Contest have been entered by the BBC each time, However the United Kingdom's, Junior Eurovision Song Contest entries were broadcast and entered by ITV in 2003, 2004 and 2005 but did not enter the 2006 contest because of low ratings. S4C were speculating in entering the 2008 contest with a Welsh language entry but, in the end, S4C chose not to enter.