MPs to hear future of Digital TV

CULTURE Secretary Tessa Jowell is expected to reaffirm the Government's support for digital television today in the wake of the collapse of one of the industry's pioneering stations.

She is due to make a Commons statement on the fate of ITV Digital, which faces being broken up as administrators run out of money to keep it going. The collapse has alarmed ministers, who have made a pledge to switch over the entire broadcasting system to digital by 2010 - a promise that looked ambitious when it was made some years ago.

Jowell's spokeswoman said the Culture Secretary wanted to bring 'MPs up to speed' on the latest situation. It is acknowledged that she faces a tricky test in trying to help rebuild confidence in digital television.

The collapse could spell financial crisis for dozens of football clubs in the Nationwide League, all due a slice of the £178.5m owed by ITV Digital in television rights.