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ITV

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FY2010 Annual Report · ITV
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ITV plc  
The London Television Centre 
Upper Ground 
London SE1 9LT
www.itv.com
investors: www.itvplc.com

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Transforming ITV

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
ITV today

ITV is the largest commercial 
television network in the UK. 
It operates a family of channels 
including ITV1, and delivers 
content across multiple platforms 
via itv.com and ITV Player. 
ITV Studios produces and sells 
programmes and formats in 
the UK and worldwide.

Broadcasting & Online
ITV content is funded by advertising and 
sponsorship revenues as well as viewer 
competitions and voting. ITV1 is the largest 
commercial channel in the UK. It attracts 
the largest audience of any UK commercial 
broadcaster and has the greatest share of 
the UK television advertising market at 
45.1%. ITV’s digital channels continue to 
grow their audiences and most recently 
saw the launch of high definition (HD) 
versions of ITV1 on Freeview and Sky, 
and ITV2, 3 and 4 on Sky. ITV1+1 also 
recently launched. 

ITV’s broadcast assets include the multiplex 
operator SDN, which continues to grow its 
revenues, and operates one of the six digital 
terrestrial multiplex licences in the UK that 
make up Freeview.

Online, ITV is focused on delivering ITV 
programming across multiple platforms 
including itv.com, video on demand on 
cable television and other ‘closed’ platforms, 
mobile devices and games consoles. itv.com 
includes ITV Player, which allows users to 
access catch-up and watch clips from the 
best ITV programmes. Online revenues are 
primarily sourced from advertising. 

ITV Studios
ITV Studios comprises ITV’s UK production 
operations, ITV’s international production 
companies and ITV Studios Global 
Entertainment.

ITV Studios produces programming for 
ITV’s own channels and for other UK and 
international broadcasters. 

A wide range of programme genres are 
produced, including: drama, soaps, 
entertainment, factual, daytime, arts, 
current affairs, quiz and game shows. 
It has a growing portfolio of international 
production offices around the world, 
including in the US, Germany, Australia, 
Sweden, Spain and France.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment is 
ITV’s international distribution, home 
entertainment, publishing, merchandising 
and licensing business. It has over 35,000 
hours of original and formatted programmes 
that it distributes to broadcasters in 240 
territories worldwide.

Total revenue (including internal)

EBITA before exceptional items

Broadcasting & Online

£1,771m

ITV Studios

£554m

24%

76%

Broadcasting & Online

£327m

ITV Studios

£81m

20%

80%

Financial record 

Results 
Revenue 
Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) before exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Share of profits or (losses) of joint ventures and associated undertakings 
Investment income  
Exceptional items 
Profit/(loss) before interest and tax 
Net financing costs 
Profit/(loss) before tax 
Taxation 
Profit/(loss) after tax 
Non-controlling interests 
Profit/(loss) for the financial year 
Basic earnings/(loss) per share 
Dividend per share 

Consolidated statement of financial position 
Share capital 
Reserves 
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company 
Non-controlling interests 
Net assets 
Represented by: 
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Investments 
Distribution rights 
Inventory 
Trade and other receivables (including assets held for sale and derivative 
financial instruments) 
Deferred tax asset 
Total assets 
Net debt 
Deferred tax liability 
Other liabilities 
Provisions 

117

2010
£m 

2009 
£m 

2008 
£m 

2007
£m 

2006
£m 

2,064 
408 
(63)
– 
(3)
– 
19 
361 
(75)
286 
(16)
270 
(1)
269 
6.9p 
– 

389 
272 
661 
2 
663 

1,120 
5 
12 
284 

511 
73 
2,005 
(188)
– 
(1,105)
(49)
663 

1,879 
202 
(59) 
– 
(7) 
– 
(20) 
116 
(91) 
25 
69 
94 
(3) 
91 
2.3p 
– 

389 
(44) 
345 
1 
346 

1,191 
6 
16 
388 

565 
50 
2,216 
(612) 
– 
(1,182) 
(76) 
346 

2,029 
211 
(66) 
(2,695) 
(15) 
1 
(108) 
(2,672) 
(60) 
(2,732) 
178 
(2,554) 
(2) 
(2,556) 
(65.9)p 
0.675p 

389 
137 
526 
8 
534 

1,360 
71 
13 
516 

528 
– 
2,488 
(730) 
(55) 
(1,085) 
(84) 
534 

2,082 
311 
(56)
(28)
2 
1 
(9)
221 
(33)
188 
(50)
138 
(1)
137 
3.5p 
3.15p 

389 
2,844 
3,233 
6 
3,239 

4,084 
89 
7 
440 

472 
– 
5,092 
(668)
(75)
(1,079)
(31)
3,239 

2,181 
375 
(56)
(20)
8 
3 
4 
314 
(26)
288 
(66)
222 
(3)
219 
5.5p 
3.15p 

401 
2,755 
3,156 
7 
3,163 

4,088 
103 
11 
400 

548 
– 
5,150 
(734)
(7)
(1,219)
(27)
3,163 

This financial record sets out the balance sheet and results of the Group since its formation following the merger of Granada plc and Carlton 
Communications plc. 

Cash and cash equivalents are included within net debt. 

ITV’s Directors’ report 
The Directors’ report explains in detail how we have 
performed this year and sets out a fair review of the 
business, a balanced and comprehensive analysis of our 
performance, the use of financial and non-financial key 
performance indicators to explain how much progress 
we have made, a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Company, and an indication  
of likely future developments.

The Directors’ report is prepared in line with the relevant 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006. In preparing the 
Directors’ report the Company has had regard to the 
guidance issued by the Accounting Standards Board in its 
Reporting Statement on narrative reporting. The Directors’ 
report is intended to provide shareholders with a greater 
understanding of the Company, of its position in the 
markets within which it operates, and of its prospects.

In setting out the Company’s main risks and uncertainties, 
an indication of likely future developments, and in other 
content, this report and accounts contains statements 
which, by their nature, cannot be considered indications 
of likelihood or certainty. The statements are based on 
the knowledge and information available at the date of 
preparation of the Directors’ report, and what are believed 
to be reasonable judgements. A wide range of factors may 
cause the actual outcomes and results to differ materially 
from those contained within, or implied by, these various 
forward-looking statements. Nor should any of these 
statements be construed as a profit forecast.

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar www.ry.com
Printed by Granite Communications Ltd. ISO 14001 and FSC accredited

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
01
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Financial summary
Group external revenues

£2,064m  09/ £1,879m

EBITA before exceptional items*

£408m  09/ £202m

Adjusted cash flow*

£517m  09/ £345m

Profit before tax

£286m  09/ £25m

Basic earnings per share

6.9p  09/ 2.3p

Adjusted earnings per share*

6.4p  09/ 1.8p

Net debt

£188m  09/ £612m

*See definitions on page 26

We need to be  
a lean ITV that can  
create world class 
content, executed 
across multiple 
platforms and sold 
around the world.

Contents

Overview

ITV today 

Financial summary 

Chairman’s statement 

Directors’ report

Strategy & operations

A strategy for the future 

2011 and beyond 

Performance & financials

Key Performance Indicators 

Financial and performance review 

Risks and uncertainties 

ifc

01

02

04

24

26

28

38

Financial statements

Statement of directors’ responsibilities 

Independent auditor’s report 

Introduction and table of contents 

Consolidated income statement 

67

68

69

70

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  71

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

Notes to the accounts 

ITV plc Company Financial Statements 

72

73

74

75

111

Notes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements  112

Other information

Shareholder information 

115

117

Responsibility 

40

Financial record  

Governance

Board of directors 

Corporate governance 

Audit Committee report 

Remuneration report 

Other governance and statutory disclosures 

46

48

53

56

66

 
02 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Chairman’s statement
by Archie Norman

‘Over the next ten years the  
global market will change  
beyond recognition’

Dear Shareholder

I arrived as Chairman a little over a year 
ago as ITV emerged from one of the most 
troubled periods in its history. Since then 
we have embarked on a far reaching 
programme of change. 

The problems ITV experienced in 2009 
were in part an inevitable consequence 
of high gearing and recession. However, 
they showed up in sharp relief our 
dependence on a narrow and increasingly 
volatile source of revenue in free to air 
television advertising. And they highlighted 
longer term trends which pose serious 
challenges for the traditional television 
model. Over the next ten years the global 
market will change beyond recognition. 
In the short term we can improve our 
operating capability and performance. 
In the long term we face a 
transformational imperative.

The transformation imperative
In embarking on a transformation of 
this extent there are a number of critical 
ingredients for success. The first of these 
is strong leadership. It is therefore very 
important that Adam Crozier joined us at 
the end of April as Chief Executive. Under 
his unswerving direction the foundations 
of change have already been laid and 
momentum is starting to build within 
the business. The top team has been 
rebuilt and a new talented leadership 
team is now in place.

Second we require clarity of vision and a 
clear road map for change. Transformation 
requires a sense of ‘time and place’ because 
it is vital that everyone at ITV knows what 
is required of them and where we are in 
the journey. Therefore the team has set 
out a five-year transformation plan that 
has been briefed to shareholders and to 
everyone in the business. That plan is 
set out with great lucidity in this report. 

‘In the short term 
we can improve our 
operating capability 
and performance. 
In the long term we 
face a transformational 
imperative’

03
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Changed Board and Governance
Since I arrived we have reduced the size 
of the Board and repositioned its focus 
and activities. As we embark on the journey 
ahead it is important we have a very engaged 
Board close to the business who are able to 
both support and challenge the executive 
team. I am delighted that Lucy Neville-Rolfe 
has joined us and believe we have a strong 
non-executive team with immense breadth 
of experience and outlook. 

Since I last wrote to you John Cresswell 
has left the Board. His steadfast leadership 
helped guide the ship through stormy waters. 
Rupert Howell, who has also departed 
played an important role in sustaining 
our advertising revenues in difficult times. 
And Baroness Usha Prashar has stepped 
down as a non-executive and Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee. We are 
grateful to all of them for their contribution.

We now have a very strong team which 
is mindful of its responsibilities not just 
in helping deliver the strategy but also 
in overseeing financial controls and 
risk management.

Uncertain outlook
Whilst the advertising market remains in 
growth at the time of writing we are not 
depending on this continuing. The ‘bounce 
back’ takes it to levels in real terms only 
slightly above those achieved in the early 
1990s. If it teaches us anything it is that 
volatility can work both ways. However 
we have a leaner business and one that is 
immeasurably more robust with a stronger 
balance sheet and strong leadership, a clear 
plan for the journey ahead and better 
operating performance.

Therefore the Board plans to restore the 
payment of a dividend at the interim 
results in July 2011.

Archie Norman 

We are very much in the first phase which 
involves building the foundations and 
‘fixing the basics’. It is vital we build the 
momentum for change but unless we do 
the hard things first the vision is irrelevant.

Third we need the financial and operational 
space to deliver change. That is why over 
the last year we have been explicit with 
our shareholders, our people, and our 
other stakeholders that we are focused on 
delivering value over five years. Of course 
we want to do the best for shareholders 
each year. But there are, sometimes painful 
trade offs to be made. For instance in 
technology and the creative process and 
where necessary we will make the right 
decision for the longer term.

Finally we fully recognise that change is 
not just technological or financial. It requires 
a different high performance culture, 
organisation, and way of working. And our 
success depends on attracting and retaining 
people of extraordinary creative ability. 
At ITV we have very talented people. But 
they have been immersed in a historically 
successful model that is now challenged. 
That is why we have been bringing in new 
skills and new people to enable our existing 
teams to adapt to a new way of working 
and the leadership team has already 
made changes to how we communicate, 
interact, assess performance, recruit and 
reward people.

Strong financial performance
The financial performance of the last year 
has been encouraging and has given us a 
much stronger position to be able to make 
the right decisions and investments required 
for the long-term future of ITV. However, it 
should not provide any excuse for taking 
the pressure off: the most difficult 
challenges are those that appear over the 
horizon. Recovery in the advertising markets 
is welcome but every day we see portents 
of the landscape shift that will take place 
over the next decade. Nevertheless the last 
year’s performance was strong and tight 
financial management, cost reduction and 
working capital controls over the last two 
years have converted market recovery into 
a substantial reduction in our debt.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

A strategy for the future
by Adam Crozier Chief Executive

Transforming ITV

There is a great deal to do to transform ITV and there 
are no quick fixes. ITV has launched a three phase 
strategy to transform the business over the next five 
years focusing on our four strategic priorities...

Create a lean, creatively dynamic and  
fit-for-purpose organisation
Go to pages 06–09

Maximise audience and revenue share from 
existing free-to-air broadcast business
Go to pages 10–15

Drive new revenue streams by exploiting our 
content across multiple platforms, free and pay
Go to pages 16–19

Build a strong international content business
Go to pages 20–23

1
2
3
4

05
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

ITV has seen its core proposition of 
free-to-air broadcasting steadily eroded. 
ITV1’s share of viewing and commercial 
impacts has gradually declined over many 
years. We have been weak on technology 
and our digital and platform strategy was 
underdeveloped. Our Online operations 
are subscale and until Q4 2010 we had 
no access to the pay TV market which is 
worth over £5 billion.

ITV Studios’ creative content pipeline had 
depleted over time with no major new 
entertainment programme format created 
since 2006. This impacted our ability to 
sell programmes both in the UK and 
internationally. ITV Studios’ share of ITV 
commissions has been falling for a number 
of years and a fragmented approach to 
rights ownership and management 
hindered our ability to exploit our content. 
We were slow to exploit our programme 
and channel brands outside of the 
traditional broadcast arena.

Transformation Plan
Adapting to this new media environment 
requires urgent change to ITV’s strategy, 
management, culture and organisation. 
We have started to address the challenges 
we face but there are no quick fixes.

We launched a three-phase strategy in 
August 2010, to transform ITV over the next 
five years. Phase 1 is to Fix the Company so 
we are ready to compete; Phase 2 is to 
Strengthen and grow the business, investing 
on solid foundations and building platforms 
for growth, and Phase 3’s focus is to 
Accelerate, driving performance and value. 

The Transformation Plan has four strategic 
priorities which are covered over the 
following pages. In order to execute and 
deliver the plan, eight separate workstreams 
have been set up which map to the four 
priorities. Each workstream is sponsored 
by a member of the Management Board. 
We have set up a Transformation office, 
headed by Simon Pitts, Director of Strategy 
& Transformation, to coordinate and help 
drive forward each workstream. 

We are less than 12 months into our 
five-year plan and have made some real 
progress in driving change throughout the 
organisation, but we are only at the start 
of the journey.

Overview of results
We are pleased to report a significantly 
improved financial performance in 2010 
with total external revenues up 10% at 
£2,064 million. This was largely driven 
by the stronger than expected UK television 
advertising market and ITV’s outperformance 
of that market. 

The growth in advertising and ITV’s 
continued focus on cost reduction fed 
through to substantially increased profits 
with adjusted earnings per share at 6.4 pence 
(2009: 1.8 pence). The decisive action taken 
on cash management has led to a significant 
reduction in our net debt position down 
from £612 million at the end of 2009 to 
£188 million at the end of 2010. 

Whilst the recovery in the television 
advertising market is helpful, it shows 
how volatile the market is and our results 
show how ITV remains overly reliant on 
advertising revenue. Our Online revenues 
grew but remain subscale compared to 
our Broadcasting business and ITV Studios’ 
revenues declined emphasising the need 
for creative renewal.

We face major ongoing challenges 
to rebalance the business and to ensure 
that in the long run we are fit to compete, 
which is why we have embarked on the 
five-year Transformation Plan to 
fundamentally change the Company.

ITV’s significant challenges
The global media environment continues 
to change dramatically. Audiences have 
fragmented and free-to-air broadcasters 
have lost viewing share with the rapid rise 
of digital and pay TV. The boom in video 
viewing via the internet, and other video 
on demand services, has also contributed 
to a vast increase in consumer choice and 
seen advertising revenues diverted away 
from television. Broadcasters have been 
under pressure to reduce risk and buy 
proven formats. The winners from this 
trend have been format owners, 
particularly US studios.

ITV has not responded to the changing 
environment. In part this is because its 
organisational ineffectiveness and 
entrenched legacy culture limited our 
ability to respond to the challenges of a 
changing market place. The first phase of 
our Transformation Plan is therefore to ‘fix’ 
the business which remains our initial priority.

‘While this is a strong 
financial performance 
for 2010, it does not 
disguise the major 
challenges that ITV 
needs to face up to’

2010

Phase 1:
Fix

2015

Phase 2:
Strengthen  
and grow

Phase 3:
Accelerate

Our eight workstreams map  
to our four strategic priorities

– Alignment and simplicity 
– Great place to work

– News review 
– New regulatory deal

– Online and On Demand 
– Pay TV 
– Total value creation

– New creative process

 
06 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

energise

The new Management Board is now in place and is committed 
to delivering the Transformation Plan.
From left: Andrew Garard Legal, Andy Doyle HR, Simon Pitts Strategy & Transformation, 
Mary Fagan Communications, Ian Griffiths Finance, Adam Crozier CEO, Fru Hazlitt Commercial & Online, 
Peter Fincham Broadcasting, Kevin Lygo Studios, Paul Dale Technology & Platforms

07
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

1

2 
3 
4

Create a lean, 
creatively 
dynamic and 
fit-for-purpose 
organisation

What do we want to achieve?
The very best out of our leadership,  
people, culture and creativity.

 
 
 
08 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

‘Attracting creative talent is crucial  
to the success of our business’

‘Our new top team will 
measure our success by 
delivery and execution’

How are we going to achieve it?

In order to turn ITV into a lean, 
creatively dynamic and fit-for-
purpose organisation a relentless 
pursuit of improvement needs to 
be undertaken at all levels of the 
business. Key to this strategy is 
the continued strengthening of 
the creative talent of the business.

To be a top class organisation requires 
top class people. This will be achieved by 
ensuring that we have the best possible 
leadership team who are able to operate 
in a seamless and agile manner, adapting 
quickly to change when needed.

It does not stop with the leadership team. 
Throughout the organisation we need to 
recruit the best people, implementing 
appropriate development programmes, 
with incentives around delivering our 
strategy. This will enable us to drive through 
the cultural change necessary to become a 
performance driven organisation, operating 
transparently with no silos. 

It is vital that Broadcasting & Online and ITV 
Studios work closely together. This will help 
us to develop an integrated creative process 
with a focus on long-running returnable 
franchises and the ability for Total Value 
brand exploitation – extracting revenues 
from a brand across a variety of platforms 
and merchandise.

09
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

We continue to take steps to make the 
business fit for purpose. We are starting 
to identify where improvements in ITV’s 
technological and management systems 
and processes can be made, but they will 
take time to implement and for the 
benefits to be realised. In December, 
we announced that, subject to planning 
permission, we will move the Company’s 
Manchester base to MediaCityUK in Salford 
Quays and build a bespoke production 
centre for Coronation Street. The move is 
expected to complete in 2012/13. There is 
expected to be a significant increase in 
capital expenditure in 2011 associated 
with the new Manchester base and our 
investment in technology.

During 2010 targeted cost efficiencies of 
£40 million were delivered. In 2011 we will 
continue to focus on costs to ensure we 
have the appropriate cost base across 
the business and have identified a further 
£15 million of savings that are largely 
non-personnel related. However, there are 
increased costs associated with a number 
of the decisions we have made, such as 
increased transmission costs as a result 
of launching ITV1+1 and the digital HD 
channels on Sky. 

While important progress is being made in 
Phase 1 of the Transformation Plan towards 
creating a lean, creatively dynamic and 
fit-for-purpose organisation, there is still 
a great deal to do to fix the business. 

What progress have we made?

We have made some significant 
changes within the leadership 
of ITV.

The new Management Board is now in place 
with a number of new appointments: Kevin 
Lygo was appointed Managing Director of 
ITV Studios; Fru Hazlitt joined as Managing 
Director of ITV Commercial & Online; Paul 
Dale was recruited as Chief Technology Officer; 
Mary Fagan is Group Communication & 
Corporate Affairs Director and Simon Pitts 
has been internally promoted to become 
Director of Strategy & Transformation. 
Six out of the ten members of the 
Management Board are new and we now 
have the right skills from inside and outside 
the industry to deliver the strategy.

To complement this we have put in place 
new internal board structures for each 
division to facilitate change and speed up 
decision making within the business.

It is imperative that cultural change is 
driven throughout the business. Outside 
of the Management Board, there have 
also been significant people changes and 
around a third of the wider leadership team 
have changed. We have embarked on a 
development programme for the leadership 
team that will help drive changes down to 
all levels of the business. To facilitate this 
we held a number of employee roadshows 
around the country in 2010. All ITV 
employees were invited in order to share 
the new strategy and give them an 
opportunity to feed back their thoughts 
and concerns. Employee engagement 
measured in 2010 has improved from 65% 
in 2009 to 75%, a positive result but there 
is still some way to go.

The new creative process is now in place 
between Broadcasting & Online and ITV 
Studios and while it will take time to see the 
results of this onscreen, progress is being 
made – ITV Studios share of ITV1 Network 
spend on original commissions has 
increased from 50% in 2009 to 53% in 2010. 

‘We have embarked on a 
development programme 
for the top leadership 
team which will help drive 
changes down to all levels 
of the business’

 
10 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

1

23 

4 

Maximise 
audience 
and revenue 
share from our 
existing free- 
to-air broadcast  
business

What do we want to achieve?
– Hold ITV Family viewing share 

by platform 

– Strengthen the channel family
– A new approach to commissioning
– Outperform the market in ad sales
– Regulatory relief

11
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

focus

Our focus will be on how we spend our programme 
budget more efficiently to at least maintain our 
share of viewing. 
Below: Downton Abbey 

 
12 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

The Lakes achieved good audiences, especially 
for factual programming, with its best episode 
drawing an average audience of 4.9 million

‘In an increasingly 
fragmented market we 
must invest in quality 
programming and 
refresh the schedules 
to strengthen all 
of our channels’

How are we going to achieve it?

A key component in achieving our 
objective of maximising audience 
share from our existing free-to-air 
broadcast business is to hold ITV’s 
viewing share across our family 
of channels.

In an increasingly fragmented market we 
must invest in quality programming and 
refresh the schedules to strengthen all 
of our channels. 

Our focus will be on how we spend our 
programme budget more efficiently to 
at least maintain our share of viewing. 
We have announced ITV1’s network 
programme budget will remain at around 
£800 million in 2011. This is a small reduction 
on the budget of £820 million in 2010, but 
this amount included the cost of the football 
World Cup. The key for us is investment in 
long-running returnable series, which also 
travel well internationally, particularly in 
entertainment and drama. 

A new approach to commissioning will play 
a major part in achieving this. We recognise 
television is a long-term business and we 
need to move away from short-term slot 
filling into building long-running returnable 
franchises and brands. Commissioners will 
lead integrated business teams including 
Research and Development, Commercial 
Finance and Marketing. Commissioning 
decisions will be based on a wider range of 
factors than has been the case in the past. 
There will be emphasis on a Total Value 
approach and a broader commercial input 
to key commissioning decisions. 

In order to maximise revenues from the 
existing free-to-air broadcast business, and 
to continue to outperform the television 
advertising market, we need to focus on 
delivering maximum value for our clients. 
We must offer creative and collaborative 
advertiser friendly solutions across our 
family of channels and platforms and offer a 
schedule that delivers what advertisers want. 

Our pursuit of greater regulatory relief will 
continue but we must focus on the factors 
that are within our control as significant 
regulatory change could well take time 
to deliver. 

Historic first Election debate attracted an audience of 9.7 million

13
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

‘In 2010, ITV outperformed 
the television advertising 
market by 1%’

What progress have we made?

ITV remains highly dependent on 
the television advertising market 
and therefore we must ensure that 
we maximise our viewing and our 
share of advertising revenues.

In 2010 ITV outperformed the television 
advertising market by 1%, with the ITV 
Family of channels’ share of total television 
advertising revenues increasing from 44.7% 
to 45.1%. ITV’s strongest performance 
year-on-year was in June, due to the 
increased demand for advertising on ITV1 
around the Football World Cup.

Whilst we need to outperform our 
competitors, we also need to balance 
unpredictable linear television advertising 
with other revenue streams across multiple 
platforms. Despite significant growth in the 
television advertising market in 2010, it is 
still only back to 2006 levels. We have 
restructured the sales team and appointed 
a new Director of Television Sales, Kelly 
Williams, and Director of Multiplatform and 
Partnerships, Simon Daglish. We now have 
the right team in place to deliver creative 
and commercial advertiser solutions not 
only in television but across all our platforms. 

We had some very strong programmes 
in 2010, for example X Factor, Britain’s Got 
Talent, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and 
Downton Abbey, the best performing new 
drama on any channel in the year. However, 
the schedule as a whole was not consistent 
throughout the year and we remain reliant 
on a number of very successful key shows. 

The share of viewing for the family was 
down 1%, with ITV1’s share of viewing down 
by 4% and the Family of digital channels up 
by 11%. ITV Family’s share of commercial 
impacts (SOCI) in 2010 was broadly flat 
compared to the previous year at 39.8%. 
Whilst in 2010 ITV1 adult SOCI was down 
4%, in the key demographics of ABC1 adults 
and 16-34 year-old adults, ITV1’s SOCI 
actually increased resulting in a significantly 
improved audience profile for advertisers. 
This has resulted in an aggregate Contract 
Rights Renewal (CRR) ratchet of over 99%. 
As this ratchet is used as a basis for 2011 
negotiations, it gives us confidence in our 
ability to outperform the television 
advertising market again this year.

Other programme successes in 2010 
included broadcasting five out of the 
top ten new dramas, including DCI Banks, 
The Little House and Downton Abbey. 
The X Factor achieved its best rating episode 
ever for the series final with 19.8 million 
viewers. The I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out 
of Here! final attracted its highest audience 
in six years. Coronation Street celebrated 
its 50th anniversary with the live episode 
and in the same week it achieved its 
best episode ratings since February 2004. 
The 2010 Football World Cup performed 
well for ITV1 with the England vs. Algeria 
match achieving the highest peak audience 
of the year with 21.3 million and a 71% 
viewing share. ITV also aired the historic first 
Election debate, attracting an audience 
of 9.7 million. However, certain slots in 
the schedule have been disappointing. 
Daybreak has not performed as we would 
have hoped and the 9pm slot, particularly 
on a Friday, remains a challenge for ITV.

In January 2011 we launched ITV1+1, 
a one hour time shifted version of our 
flagship channel, which followed the 
launch of ITV1 HD in 2010. This has given 
our viewers more choice and flexibility 
with their viewing. So far in 2011 ITV1+1 
has accounted for 2.5% of ITV1 impacts, 
which we expect to grow in time. 

X Factor achieved its best rating episode ever 
for the series final with 19.8 million viewers

DCI Banks launched with an average audience 
of 6.8 million

 
14 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

Football World Cup 2010 performed well with 
the England vs. Algeria match achieving a 71% 
viewing share

‘We have now agreed 
our vision for ITV1 out to 
2013 and will work with 
independent producers 
and ITV Studios to 
deliver it’

The Only Way is Essex peaked on ITV2 with 
11% share of 16-34 Adults

What progress have we made? continued

The digital channels have performed very 
well, particularly ITV3 which saw its SOCI 
increase by 24%. ITV2 and ITV4 also 
increased their SOCI by 3% and 17% 
respectively but further investment is 
planned to give them a clearer brand 
identity. This strong performance helped 
to hold ITV Family SOCI virtually flat despite 
the decline in ITV1 SOCI. 

Recognising that television is a long-term 
business, we need to determine the vision 
of our schedule several years in advance 
while maintaining some flexibility. Peter 
Fincham and his team have now agreed 
our vision for ITV1 out to 2013 and will 
work with independent producers and ITV 
Studios to deliver it. In 2010 we announced 
a three-year deal for the X Factor and 
Britain’s Got Talent with Syco and 
Fremantle Media, which secures two of our 
most popular programmes until 2013. We 
have also secured the rights to the Rugby 
World Cup for 2011 and 2015. Our approach 
to the provision of news on ITV is also 
currently being reviewed. 

Our strategy is not dependent on regulatory 
relief, but we have made some progress in 
this area and we will continue to push for 
liberalisation. During the year Ofcom 
relaxed certain airtime sales rules relating to 
the requirement of commercial broadcasters 
to sell all of their advertising inventory as 
well as the bundling of airtime sales 
packages across several channels. While 
we operate under CRR, these have limited 
impact on ITV. 

In October Ofcom completed its review 
of ITV’s licence payments and concluded 
that Channel 3 payments should be cut 
to almost zero, in recognition of the cost 
of delivering public service obligations such 
as news and current affairs. In December 
Ofcom confirmed the new rules on product 
placement that came into effect on 
28 February 2011. The new rules contain 
restrictions on the type of products that 
can be placed and in which programmes 
they can be placed. These restrictions 
will impact our ability to exploit this new 
revenue stream. 

During 2010 the House of Lords began a 
review of the CRR mechanism and concluded 
in February 2011 that the CRR rules on the 
sale of advertising are overly detrimental to 
ITV and should be abolished. It also concluded 
that the number of advertising minutes per 
hour should be harmonised down to an 
average of seven minutes per hour on all 
commercial channels, subject to further 
research by Ofcom. 

We are encouraged by the House of 
Lords’ recommendations and that the 
Government appears to be increasingly 
pro deregulation.

15
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

‘Coronation Street celebrated 
its 50th anniversary with 
the live episode and its best 
audience since February 2004’

ITV2’s Celebrity Juice attracted a peak audience 
of 1.9 million

 
16 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

improve

We need to transform itv.com into a site which has a richer 
and deeper relationship with our viewers and can be the 
engine for our growth in new, connected platforms.

17
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

1 
2

34 

Drive new 
revenue streams 
by exploiting 
our content 
across multiple 
platforms, 
free and pay

What do we want to achieve?
– Enter pay TV
– Transform itv.com
– Own customer relationships on 

connected platforms

– Total Value approach to brand 

exploitation

– Build addressable advertising capabilities

 
18 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

‘Develop new revenue 
streams through building 
our programme brands 
and platform offerings’

How are we going to achieve it?

We need to develop a channel 
portfolio that is more balanced 
between pay and free television, 
driving forward sponsorship and 
product placement and developing 
new revenue streams through 
building our programme brands 
and platform offerings. 

itv.com needs to be transformed. 
Navigation and the viewing experience will 
be improved to cultivate a richer, deeper 
relationship between ITV and its viewers. 
In addition, we will maximise the reach 
of our video on demand service, ITV Player, 
making the service available on new 
platforms. We will also undertake pay trials 
on itv.com and are developing a payment 
mechanism to enable us to do this. 

We will continue to support and grow 
the Freeview and Freesat platforms where 
ITV channels perform strongly. Part of our 
platform strategy will also be the launch of 
YouView, the next generation of Freeview. 
This will allow viewers to navigate seamlessly 
between their favourite Freeview channels 
and the most popular on demand content 
on ITV Player and the BBC iPlayer, 
subscription free. 

Growing revenues from the SDN business, 
which operates one of the six digital 
terrestrial multiplex licences in the UK that 
make up Freeview, also remains a focus.

In the past we have not exploited the full 
value of our programming. With our new 
Total Value approach to programme 
commissioning and brand exploitation, we 
intend to maximise the lifetime revenues 
from our strongest brands.

As explained earlier we have restructured 
the sales team to ensure we have the right 
team in place to offer creative advertising 
solutions and drive revenues across all 
our platforms. 

Corrie Nation

ITV Live iPhone app

‘Operationally we have 
made progress but 
Online continues to be 
subscale compared to 
our Broadcasting business’ 

19
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

With regards to platforms we have 
successfully incorporated YouView as a 
seven-way joint venture in September. 
Though the project will not launch to 
consumers until early 2012, the focus is 
on getting the final proposition right for 
viewers and advertisers. ITV’s part-owned 
platforms, Freeview and Freesat, have 
also performed well and are now used 
by 11 million UK homes as their primary 
source of television. 

At the end of 2010 we launched ITV Player 
on the PS3, and we are now working on 
plans to launch ITV Player on Freesat and 
YouView. Meanwhile SDN continues to grow 
its revenues, and in 2010 it agreed three 
new contracts, including the multiple 
videostream contract with Channel 5.

We have agreed the initial key brands 
that will be the focus of our Total Value 
exploitation, including Coronation Street, 
This Morning and Dancing on Ice. These are 
not the only brands where we will look to 
create more value, but we will develop our 
approach on these brands and then roll-out 
more fully where appropriate across our 
large catalogue. For example, we have 
already agreed a joint two-year broadcast 
deal and a five-year commercial deal with 
Alan Titchmarsh for his daytime chat show 
and peak programming, as well as a 
merchandising deal. 

What progress have we made?

In August we announced our first 
move into pay television, with the 
digital channels ITV2, 3 and 4 HD 
launching behind the Sky paywall 
in autumn 2010.

This is a three-year deal and is profitable for 
ITV from the outset, but it is only a small 
first step into pay television and it does not 
enable us to own the customer relationship 
directly. Developing a pay strategy for the 
future is a key part of our eight workstreams 
and we have resourced it accordingly. 

Online revenues, excluding Friends Reunited, 
increased in 2010 by 17% to £28 million. 
While this is a good performance it is off a 
very low base and Online continues to be 
subscale compared to our Broadcasting 
business. Operationally Online has made 
progress with unique users averaging 
10.2 million per month in 2010, up 17% 
year-on-year, and more valuable long form 
viewing making up an increasing proportion 
of it. Video views totalled 234 million 
which was up 9% year-on-year. Long form 
video views were up 79% year-on-year to 
129 million, now making up 55% of the 
total video views on itv.com. 

However, itv.com is still not currently 
fit-for-purpose with a poor navigation and 
content experience. At the end of 2010 Robin 
Pembrooke joined ITV as Managing Director 
of Online and On Demand, and with his 
senior team now in place, work has started 
on improving the site. The Online vision for 
2011 has been agreed, as has the necessary 
investment required.

ITV Player launched on PS3

 
20 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

1 
2 

34

Build a strong  
international 
content business

What do we want to achieve?
– Transform internal creative capability
– Focus on high value returnable series 

on and off ITV

– Acquire attractive third party content
– Make our shows in more countries
– Build international distribution scale

21
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

extend

Extending our production and distribution 
network internationally.
Above: Dancing on Ice

 
22 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Transforming ITV

Come Dine With Me is produced in 28 countries 
around the world

The Chase, an ITV Studios game show, 
performed strongly in daytime in 2010, 
peaking at 2.5 million viewers 

How are we going to achieve it?

Transforming the internal 
creative capability of the business, 
to ensure we have the very best 
team in place, lies at the heart of 
our goal to build ITV into a strong 
international content business.

We need creative leadership with the ability 
to attract talent throughout the division. 
We will develop a mixed model to recruit and 
manage on and off-screen talent including 
partnerships. 

As we build the right team and develop 
the internal creative processes, we will focus 
on developing high value returnable series 
for both the ITV channels and third-party 
broadcasters, in the UK and internationally. 
We will concentrate on developing ideas 
that work not only in the UK but also 
internationally to exploit fully all possible 
revenue streams. Entertainment and drama 
formats travel best internationally and ITV 
has strength in these areas, for example 
I’m A Celebrity, Dancing on Ice and Lewis. 
Factual entertainment series also travel well 
and we have seen success with programmes 
such as Four Weddings, Coach Trip and 
Come Dine With Me. 

The key to the success of the content 
business is developing, or having a significant 
stake in, the intellectual property rights for 
the content that we show on our screens 
and sell to other broadcasters. We must 
own the rights to programmes and formats 
so that we can exploit the long tail value of 
them. In the shorter term we may look to 
acquire rights to distribute internationally 
with our own content to help drive revenues 
while we develop our own pipeline. 

To have the strongest possible international 
content business we need to be making 
and distributing our programmes in as 
many territories as possible. The UK is core 
to this but we need an effective distribution 
and production network and access to ideas 
and formats across geographies. Over the 
next five years we will increase our number 
of production bases to ensure we have a 
presence in key global territories. We can 
enter new markets organically, as we did in 
France in early 2010 for less than £1 million 
or we may invest or partner. In addition 
to developed markets we will also look for 
growth in developing markets. 

I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! has been sold in six territories to date

‘We will focus on 
developing high value 
returnable series for both 
the ITV channels and 
third-party broadcasters in 
the UK and internationally’

23
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

‘Researching the creative 
pipeline is key for ITV 
going forward’

We announced that we will be moving the 
Company’s Manchester base to MediaCityUK 
in Salford Quays in 2012 and that we will be 
building a high-tech production and studio 
centre for Coronation Street at Trafford 
Wharf, adjacent to the main MediaCityUK 
site. The total cost of this is expected to 
be less than £35 million and once we have 
vacated the current Manchester site we 
will look to maximise its value. 

We already have some great examples of 
formats which we are exploiting in multiple 
territories. Come Dine With Me, which we 
make for Channel 4 in the UK, is produced 
in 28 countries, with ITV producing the 
versions in six of these, and Four Weddings 
that we make for Living in the UK is 
broadcast in 15 countries, and produced or 
co-produced by ITV in eight. We have also 
recently agreed a US production deal for 
one of our key daytime programmes, 
Jeremy Kyle, and we have sold a number 
of other shows to Latin America.

Following the opening of our Spanish office 
in 2009 we opened an office in France in 
early 2010. Both of these territories won 
their first commissions in 2010, May the 
Best House Win in Spain and Coach Trip 
in France. We now have production bases 
in seven countries. 

What progress have we made?

We now have a new creative 
leadership team in place following 
the appointment of Kevin Lygo as 
Managing Director of ITV Studios, 
Denise O’Donoghue as Managing 
Director ITV Studios UK and Maria 
Kyriacou as Managing Director of 
ITV Studios Global Entertainment.

However, we still need to rebuild the creative 
talent team to ensure that we have the 
right people across the business and this 
process is underway. 

In 2010 total ITV Studios external revenues 
and profits were down. The market was 
tough with broadcasters de-risking, but 
ITV’s ability to sell programmes was also 
impacted by its depleted pipeline. Internal 
revenues were broadly flat, but ITV Studios 
share of ITV1 network spend increased 
from 50% to 53%. 

Our creative pipeline needs strengthening 
as we have not created an international 
entertainment hit since Dancing on Ice in 
2006. This is obviously inhibiting our ability 
to sell both in the UK and internationally. 
However, a number of ITV Studios dramas 
will be on ITV1 in 2011, including Vera and 
Marchlands, and new entertainment pilots 
are being considered by the ITV Network. 
While this is promising, it is only a start and 
refreshing the creative pipeline is key for ITV 
going forward. As a result we have 
significantly increased the development 
budget for 2011.

We need to maintain the ongoing success 
of our soaps and other popular long running 
programmes. In 2010 we invested in new 
HD studios in Leeds which secured the future 
of the production of Emmerdale there. 

Four Weddings which we produce for Living in 
the UK, is broadcast in 15 countries

Coach Trip, which we produce in UK for Channel 4, 
has recently been commissioned in France 

 
24 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

2011 and beyond

‘As we enter 2011, ITV is in a much 
stronger position financially which 
enables us to invest in the business 
and make the right decisions for 
the long-term future of ITV’

Jason Manford joins ITV with fresh 
entertainment show Comedy Rocks

Britain’s Got Talent returns with a new judging panel

We are less than 12 months into our 
five-year Transformation Plan and are 
already making significant progress. 
However, there is still a great deal to do 
and many challenges we must confront 
to ensure that in the long-term we are 
fit to compete. 

Over the next 12 months we need to 
maintain and build on the momentum 
of change that we have created. 

While you will see rapid progress across 
all our four priorities our focus will be on 
transforming itv.com, on strengthening 
our creative talent and creative pipeline 
and improving our technology. We expect 
to invest £25 million of our three-year 
£75 million investment fund in 2011 – 
£7 million in Online, £12 million in Content 
and £6 million for Digital channels in our 
development fund.

Our capital expenditure will more than 
double in 2011 to approximately £80 million 
as we upgrade technology across the 
business and invest in future-proofing our 
Soaps, in particular the new site for 
Coronation Street. While we are making 
significant investments in the business 
we will still maintain our focus on cost 
management to ensure we have the right 
cost across the organisation. We have 
identified £15 million of cost savings that 
will be delivered in 2011. 

Creating a lean, creatively dynamic  
and fit-for-purpose organisation
We will continue to recruit the right creative 
talent across the organisation. There is a 
new creative process between Broadcasting 
and ITV Studios, with these businesses 
working more closely together. We are 
creating a high performance culture 
that aligns incentives throughout the 
Company to reward creative and 
commercial performance. 

Maximise audience and revenue 
share from our existing free-to-air 
broadcast business
In 2011 we aim to again outperform the 
television advertising market and to maintain 
the ITV Family share of viewing. To do this 
we must improve the consistency of the 
schedule across the year. We are launching 
many new programmes, including dramas 
Marchlands, Vera and Monroe as well as the 
new documentary strand Perspectives and 
authored factual series featuring Caroline 
Quentin and Martin Clunes. 

25
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

‘We expect to invest 
£25 million of our 
three-year £75 million 
investment fund in 2011 
– £7 million in Online, 
£12 million in Content 
and £6 million for 
Digital channels’

Brenda Blethyn OBE stars in Vera, a new 
murder mystery

New ITV Studios drama Marchlands launched on ITV1 with an average audience of 7.8 million

Some of our most successful programmes 
return in 2011 including the X Factor, 
Britain’s Got Talent, I’m A Celebrity and 
Downton Abbey as well as Coronation 
Street and Emmerdale. Top sporting events 
such as the Rugby World Cup, Champions 
League, the FA Cup and Euro 2012 qualifiers 
are also on ITV this year. 

Drive new revenue streams by exploiting 
our content across multiple platforms, 
free and pay
To help drive new revenue streams a 
multiplatform commissioning structure 
will be put in place. We are developing our 
product placement offerings and will launch 
Total Value exploitation across a number of 
key brands. We will deliver an improved and 
redesigned itv.com and start to undertake 
pay trials online. YouView will commence 
consumer trials in late 2011 and is planned 
to be fully launched in early 2012. All these 
initiatives will take time to make an impact 
and we are unlikely to receive the benefits 
until 2012.

Build a strong international 
content business 
Building a strong international content 
business remains a key priority and we 
will increase investment in programme 
development and pilots to create returnable 
commercial franchises. We are rebuilding the 
senior talent team and are looking at new 
ways of working with talent and production 
companies as well as considering the 
potential for partnerships and investments 
across the international ITV network.

Outlook
We have a great deal still to do and we will 
measure the success of the Transformation 
Plan by both delivery and execution. 
We have developed a new set of key 
performance indicators that align our 
performance and accountability to the 
Transformation Plan. 

As we enter 2011, ITV is in a much stronger 
position financially which enables us to 
invest in the business and make the right 
decisions for the long-term future of ITV. 

The television advertising market has 
performed strongly so far in 2011. In Q1 ITV 
net advertising revenue (NAR) is expected 
to be up 12% and initial forecasts for April 
are for NAR to be up between 8% and 12%. 
However, the comparatives we face are 
becoming increasingly tough. The outlook 
into the rest of 2011 remains uncertain 
and we are cautious about the broader 
economic outlook and its impact on our 
market. We will maintain our focus on cash 
and costs in 2011 and on delivering the 
Transformation Plan to secure the long-
term stability of the Company. 

Adam Crozier Chief Executive

ITV has secured the rights to the 
Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2015

 
26 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Key Performance Indicators

ITV has redefined its Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to align 
performance and accountability to the Transformation Plan. 

ITV’s KPI include core financial performance indicators and strategic performance indicators. 
While these KPI will be the key measures of success over the next five years, we will keep 
them under review to ensure that they remain the most appropriate measures in line 
with our strategy. 

Core financial performance

EBITA before 
exceptional items

Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation 
(‘EBITA’) before exceptional items more 
accurately reflects the business performance 
of the Group in a consistent manner and in line 
with how the business is managed and 
measured on a day-to-day basis.

2010

2009

£408m £202m

EBITA before exceptional items has increased 
during the year to £408 million mainly due to 
a £205 million increase in television advertising 
revenues and the continued positive impact 
of cost savings, which were partially offset by 
increased transmission and schedule costs in 
the year.

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share represent the 
adjusted profit for the year attributable to 
equity shareholders. It more accurately reflects 
the business performance of the Group in a 
consistent manner and in line with how the 
business is managed and measured on a 
day-to-day basis. 
Adjusted profit is defined as profit for the year 
attributable to equity shareholders before 
exceptional items, impairment of intangible 
assets, amortisation of intangible assets 
acquired through business combinations, 
financing cost adjustments (see page 32) and 
prior period and other tax adjustments. 

‘Profit to cash’ conversion

‘Profit to cash’ conversion represents the 
proportion of EBITA before exceptional items 
converted into a measure of adjusted cash flow 
(defined as cash generated from operations 
before exceptional items less cash related to the 
acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
and intangible assets – see page 35). 2009 has 
been restated to include cash related to the 
acquisition of intangible assets. 
It remains ITV’s aim to keep this ‘profit to cash’ 
conversion as high as possible, and in excess of 
90% on a rolling three-year basis.

2010

6.4p

2009

1.8p

Adjusted earnings per share has increased to 6.4 
pence reflecting the significant improvement in 
trading and EBITA before exceptional items, the 
reduction in adjusted financing costs as a result 
of the repurchase of debt and the reduction in 
the adjusted tax rate due to the utilisation of 
prior year losses.

2010

2009

127% 171%

A ‘profit to cash’ conversion ratio of over 100% 
has been achieved for the second successive 
year. This shows that ITV has maintained a 
strong focus on working capital, in particular 
stock balances. The high conversion rates over 
the past two years have been key factors in the 
net debt reduction. ‘Profit to cash’ conversion 
in 2011 will be lower than 2010 since stock has 
been reduced to more normalised levels and 
capital expenditure will be higher.

Strategic performance indicators

KPI description

ITV Family Share of Viewing (SOV)
ITV Family Share of Viewing (SOV) is ITV’s share 
of the total viewing audience over the year 
achieved by ITV’s family of channels compared 
to the entire television market, including the 
BBC Family. ITV aims to at least maintain the 
ITV Family SOV.

ITV Family Share of Commercial Impacts 
(SOCI)
This is the share of total UK television commercial 
impacts which is delivered by ITV’s family of 
channels. An impact is one viewer watching one 
30-second commercial. SOCI is the trading 
currency in the television advertising market. 
ITV aims to maximise its SOCI.

ITV Family Share of Broadcast (SOB)
ITV’s UK television advertising market share 
is known as its Share of Broadcast (SOB). 
To maximise revenues from ITV’s free-to-air 
business, ITV aims to continue to maximise 
its SOB and to outperform the UK television 
advertising market.

27
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Performance

ITV Family SOV

2010

2009

22.9% 23.1%

ITV Family SOV has declined by 1% in the year. 
The movement in SOV can be split between 
viewing performance on each platform and the 
change in usage of each of these platforms 
during the year (‘platform mix’). Removing the 
impact of the change in platform mix, 2009’s 
SOV adjusted for the 2010 platform mix was 
22.8%. Adjusted SOV therefore actually slightly 
improved during the year. 

ITV Family SOCI

39.8% 40.0%

ITV Family SOCI was broadly flat year-on-year. 
ITV1’s SOCI was down 4% year-on-year, but this 
was largely offset by the strength in the ITV 
digital channels, particularly ITV3.

ITV Family SOB

45.1% 44.7%

In 2010, ITV NAR gained market share increasing 
its SOB to 45.1% of the total UK television 
market. This was due to strong performances 
by both the sales team and on screen as ITV 
continues to deliver the big audiences and 
brands that are most demanded by advertisers.

Non-NAR revenues
Non-NAR revenues includes all ITV revenues, 
both internal and external, except net advertising 
revenues (NAR). Growing non-NAR revenues is 
key to the Transformation Plan as we aim to 
rebalance the business away from its reliance 
on advertising revenues.

Non-NAR revenues

£829m £850m

The reduction in non-NAR revenues in 2010 
by £21 million to £829 million is due to a 
£43 million reduction in total revenue in ITV 
Studios, partially offset by smaller increases in 
Broadcasting & Online non-NAR revenues.

itv.com unique users
Average monthly unique users are a measure of 
the number of individual users visiting itv.com.

itv.com video views
Video views are a measure of the total number 
of videos viewed on itv.com in the year. It 
includes long and short form video views.

Percentage of ITV1 output from ITV Studios 
This represents the proportion of the total 
original commissions spend on ITV1 
transmitted in the year, delivered by ITV 
Studios. In order to grow the content business, 
ITV Studios needs to increase its supply of high 
potential programmes to the ITV Network. 
Once they have been made famous in the UK, 
they can then be sold around the world.

itv.com unique users

10.2m 8.7m

Unique users are up 17% year-on-year, but 
Online remains subscale compared to our 
Broadcasting business.

itv.com video views

234m 215m

Video views are up 9% year-on-year. An 
increasing proportion is long form views which 
are more valuable to ITV; this now constitutes 
55% of total video views with 129 million long 
form video views in 2010.

Percentage of 
ITV1 output from 
ITV Studios

53%

50%

The percentage of ITV1 output from ITV 
Studios has increased in the year. This has been 
driven by the delivery of daytime and factual 
programmes. Going forward ITV aims to deliver 
more entertainment and drama programming.
However, it should be noted that ITV1’s spend 
on original commissions has declined in the 
year by £32 million since sport costs increased 
due to the football World Cup.

 
28 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Financial and performance review
by Ian Griffiths Group Finance Director

‘The focus on cash 
and costs is clearly 
evident in our much 
improved financial 
position, most notably 
the net debt reduction’

External revenue versus 2009 (£m)

2,200 

2,100 

2,000

22

42

205

2,064

1,879

1,900

1,800 

9
0
0
2

R
A
N

e
u
n
e
v
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Key financials

External revenue
EBITA before exceptional items
Adjusted earnings per share (‘EPS’)
Net debt

 2010  
£m
2,064
408
6.4p
(188)

2009  
£m
1,879
202
1.8p
(612)

Change  
£m
185
206
4.6p
424

Overview
ITV has delivered a strong financial performance in 2010 with external revenues and profits 
significantly up on prior year. This has been driven largely by the strong cyclical recovery in 
the television advertising market and ITV’s outperformance of that market. Despite this 
cyclical recovery, ITV has maintained its focus on cost control and cash management. Costs 
have been reduced and increased revenues have been effectively converted into increased 
profits. The continued focus on cash management, alongside improved profits, has led to a 
significant reduction in net debt.

ITV is now in a substantially stronger financial position than two years ago, but this does not 
disguise the ongoing challenges that the business faces. 

The following review is focused on adjusted results as, in management’s view, these show 
more meaningfully the business performance of the Group in a consistent manner and 
reflect how the business is managed and measured on a daily basis. We have also restructured 
the notes to the accounts, to present a clearer view of our financial performance and 
financial position as at 31 December 2010.

External revenue and EBITA before exceptional items
Total revenue for the year ended 31 December 2010 was 10% higher at £2,064 million 
(2009: £1,879 million). The improvement in Net Advertising Revenue (‘NAR’), driven by the 
strong television advertising market, has been partially offset by a 13% reduction in external 
revenue in ITV Studios, mainly from international productions.

 
 
 
EBITA before exceptional items versus 2009 (£m)

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

60

19

205

17

23

408

202

9
0
0
2

R
A
N

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0
2

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t
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S
V
T

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Net debt versus 2009 (£m)

612

517

800 

600 

400 

200 

0 

9
0
0
2

d
e
t
s
u
d
A

j

w
o
l
f
h
s
a
c

23

64

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30

19

188

r
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O

0
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2

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69

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26

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29
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

The increase in NAR is the principal reason that EBITA before exceptional items more than 
doubled to £408 million (2009: £202 million). Cost savings of £60 million have been made 
(£40 million of efficiency savings and £20 million from the reduction in the licence fee) 
which further boosted profitability, but these have been offset by increased schedule costs, 
increased transmission costs to support the launch of the HD channels and YouView, 
and reduced ITV Studios profits. 

The improved EBITA before exceptional items has driven the increase in adjusted EPS 
to 6.4p (2009: 1.8p). 

Net debt
Cash management has remained a key focus in 2010, with net debt reducing from 
£612 million at 31 December 2009 to £188 million at 31 December 2010.

Adjusted cash flow of £517 million (2009: £345 million) has increased this year not only as 
a result of improved profits but also from another year of strong ‘profit to cash’ conversion. 
The continued focus on cash resulted in a ‘profit to cash’ ratio in 2010 of 127% (2009: 171%) 
as we continued to reduce our stock levels and manage working capital tightly.

Aside from adjusted cash flow, £69 million was raised from the sale of Friends Reunited and 
Screenvision US. The cash costs of operating exceptional items in 2010 mainly relate to items 
provided for in previous years, such as the cash costs which underpin the efficiency savings 
delivered over the past two years. The return to corporation tax payments in 2010 is a 
consequence of improved profitability.

Broadcasting & Online
Broadcasting & Online revenues

Net Advertising Revenue (‘NAR’)
Broadcast sponsorship
Minority revenue
SDN external revenues
itv.com
Media sales, PRS and other income
Total Broadcasting & Online revenue
Total schedule costs
Other costs
Total Broadcasting & Online EBITA before exceptional items

 2010  
£m
1,496
60
54
43
28
90
1,771
(1,023)
(421)
327

2009  
£m
1,291
59
47
40
24
82
1,543
(1,006)
(426)
111

Change  
£m
205
1
7
3
4
8
228
(17)
5
216

The year-on-year changes in the Broadcasting & Online segment have been driven by the 
television advertising market, resulting in a £205 million improvement in NAR to £1,496 million 
(2009: £1,291 million). The television advertising market was up 15% in the year and ITV has 
outperformed the market once again with ITV Family revenue up 16%. ITV’s share of 
broadcast, at 45.1%, was up 0.4 share points on last year.

Of the £205 million increase in total ITV NAR, the improvement in the television advertising 
market accounted for £191 million and the increase in ITV’s share is worth £14 million. ITV 
has outperformed the television advertising market for the past three years, as we continue 
to deliver the big audiences and brands that are most demanded by our advertisers. This 
market outperformance was achieved despite a 5% decline in ITV1 SOCI in 2009 compared 
to 2008; under the Contract Rights Renewal remedy, advertisers are entitled to reduce their 
advertising share commitment to ITV1 in proportion to the decline in ITV1’s SOCI in the 
previous year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Financial and performance review continued

‘Growing non-NAR 
revenues is key to 
rebalancing the business 
away from its reliance 
on television advertising 
revenues’

The rate of television advertising market growth of 15% has outstripped the 6% rise in the 
total market of commercial impacts, with the result that there has been some inflation 
of pricing compared to the prior year, reversing some of the deflation of earlier years. 
Television advertising, however, continues to offer value for money given its reach and 
2010 has seen television take share from other media. Over the year, the total radio 
advertising market grew by 4%, internet by 11%, and press declined by 1%; these all 
compare to television, which grew by 15%.

Broadcast sponsorship income was broadly flat at £60 million (2009: £59 million). Although 
closely related to advertising, sponsorship tends to be committed under longer term contracts 
which can mitigate the impact of short-term movements in the advertising market.

Minority revenues comprise ITV Network programme sales to Channel 3 licences not 
owned by ITV (STV, UTV & Channel). These revenues increased by £7 million to £54 million 
(2009: £47 million) due to the higher network programme budget, and fewer programmes 
being subject to an opt out claim than in 2009. 

SDN, which operates one of the six digital terrestrial multiplex licences in the UK that make 
up Freeview, grew external revenues by £3 million to £43 million (2009: £40 million). In 2010 
SDN agreed three new contracts, including the multi videostream deal with Channel 5. As a 
result of these new contracts we expect to continue to grow revenues from the SDN 
business in 2011. 

The itv.com revenues, excluding Friends Reunited, were up 17% compared to last year, albeit 
off a low base. Unique users were up 17% and video views up 9%, with long form viewing, 
which is more valuable to advertisers, making up an increased proportion of total video 
views. This, combined with the strong online advertising market, resulted in the increase 
in itv.com revenues. 

Media sales, PRS and other income has grown and includes premium rate telephony 
services, airtime sales on behalf of third parties, interactive transactions associated with 
ITV and our first steps into pay television. 

Total ITV schedule costs increased by £17 million in 2010 to £1,023 million (2009: £1,006 million). 
The increase is principally due to the inclusion of the football World Cup.

Other Broadcasting & Online costs of £421 million (2009: £426 million) include industry and 
regulatory costs, as well as staff and overhead costs. The year-on-year decline is mainly from 
the delivery of cost savings and lower licence fees. There has been an increase in transmission 
costs, mainly due to the launch of the HD channels and costs associated with YouView.

A review of Channel 3 licence fees resulted in a £20 million saving as Ofcom recognised the 
cost of delivering public service obligations such as news and current affairs and adjusted the 
regional broadcasting licence fees accordingly.

‘The decline in revenues 
across ITV Studios 
highlights the need for 
creative renewal’

ITV Studios

UK production and resources
International production
Distribution and exploitation
Total external revenue
Original supply to ITV
Total revenue
Total costs
Total ITV Studios EBITA before exceptional items

31
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

 2010  
£m
64
106
123
293
261
554
(473)
81

2009  
£m
71
138
126
335
262
597
(506)
91

Change  
£m
(7)
(32)
(3)
(42)
(1)
(43)
33
(10)

ITV Studios includes original productions for the UK and international markets, the 
distribution and exploitation of internally generated and acquired rights, and studios and 
facilities revenue. ITV Studios’ creative content pipeline has depleted over time which, 
coupled with an environment where broadcasters are taking less risk with new content and 
budgets are still relatively tight, has impacted ITV’s ability to sell programmes both in the 
UK and internationally. This highlights the need for creative renewal.

UK production and resources external revenue (for other UK broadcasters) has decreased by 
10% to £64 million (2009: £71 million), and the number of external hours produced have also 
reduced by 10%. Programmes such as The Street and Animal Cops did not return, but these 
were partially offset by the growth of programmes such as Coach Trip and Four Weddings. 

International production revenues reduced by 23% to £106 million (2009: £138 million). 
This was largely driven by I’m A Celebrity where there has not been any production in 
2010 in the USA, Germany or Sweden; nothing of scale replaced these. This is reflected 
in the total number of hours produced internationally which reduced by 11% in 2010 
compared to 2009.

Distribution and exploitation sales were down by 2% to £123 million (2009: £126 million). 
Television sales revenues held up well on the back of strong drama sales, but were offset by 
lower co-production revenues. Home Entertainment revenues, primarily DVD, remain under 
pressure, particularly in the UK.

Original supply to ITV channels is not included in reported ITV plc consolidated revenue 
as it represents an internal programming cost of sale. This internal supply is broadly flat 
at £261 million (2009: £262 million) as programmes delivered in 2009 such as Heartbeat 
and The Royal did not recur, but there were new programmes such as Popstar to Opera Star 
and The Chase in 2010.

ITV Studios’ cost base has reduced by £33 million to £473 million (2009: £506 million). 
Most of the costs in the production business are variable and linked to revenue. The fixed 
costs have been reduced as part of the ongoing challenge to the cost base and those 
savings have helped maintain overall margins of 15%. 

 
 
32 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Financial and performance review continued

Exceptional items
Operating exceptional items

Income/(cost) 
Reorganisation and restructuring
Onerous contract provision
Onerous property provision
Pension scheme changes
Kangaroo closure costs
Total operating exceptional items

 2010  
£m
(17)
1
7
28
–
19

2009  
£m
(40)
(1)
(14)
110
(2)
53

Net operating exceptional income in the year was £19 million (2009: £53 million).

These include £17 million of reorganisation and restructuring costs in relation to cost savings 
that have been delivered. There was a £7 million credit to onerous property provisions following 
the successful subletting of some excess space and consolidation of London offices.

The pension exceptional credit relates to pension scheme initiatives undertaken in the 
year to reduce the pension liability. Further details are included in section 3.6 of the 
financial statements.

Non-operating exceptional items
Total non-operating exceptional items are £nil (2009: cost of £73 million). A £4 million gain 
(2009: £51 million loss) on sale and impairment of subsidiaries and investments, principally 
relating to the sale of Screenvision US, was offset by a £4 million (2009: £22 million) loss on 
sale and impairment of non-current assets.

‘Financing costs have 
reduced as we have 
repurchased some of 
our more expensive debt’

Net financing costs

Income/(cost) 
Financing costs directly attributable to bonds
Cash-related net financing income
Cash-related financing costs
Amortisation of bonds
Adjusted financing costs
Mark-to-market on swaps and foreign exchange
Imputed pension interest
Other net financing income
Net financing costs 

 2010  
£m
(59)
1
(58)
(11)
(69)
5
(13)
2
(75)

2009  
£m
(74)
1
(73)
(6)
(79)
(7)
(15)
10
(91)

The cash-related financing costs of £58 million (2009: £73 million) are primarily the interest 
costs relating to ITV’s bond debt, which have reduced significantly year-on-year, mainly due 
to £146 million of debt repurchases. Cash-related net financing income remains low, despite 
the increasing cash balances, as most of the cash reserves are held on short-term deposit 
with low interest rates. 

Amortisation of bonds is non-cash in the short term but will result in a cash payment on 
settlement. This principally relates to the 2014 Eurobond, 2015 Bond tap and 2016 
Convertible Bond.

Adjusted financing costs are used to reflect the controllable interest costs of ITV’s net debt. 
The principal differences between the reported net financing costs and adjusted financing 
costs relate to mark-to-market movements on swaps and foreign exchange on bonds, which 
are volatile and unrealised within the year, and the imputed pension interest. 

The £5 million gain (2009: £7 million charge) relating to mark-to-market on swaps and foreign 
exchange on bonds is as a result of decreases in the implied interest rates at 31 December 
2010 compared to 31 December 2009. 

Other net financing income includes the unwind of the amortised cost adjustment (as described 
in note 4.1) and the net losses from bond buy-backs.

33
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

‘The adjusted tax rate of 
23% is expected to remain 
at, or close to, this level for 
at least the next two years’

Tax
The total reported tax charge of £16 million (2009: credit of £69 million) results in an 
effective tax rate significantly lower than the statutory rate of tax. This is primarily due to 
the recognition of a deferred tax asset of £68 million in respect of tax losses not previously 
recognised. The deferred tax asset is being recognised as the Group is making sufficient 
taxable profits to be able to utilise these brought forward tax losses.

Corporation tax paid during the year of £23 million arises as a result of the return to 
profitability of the Group during the year, partially offset by utilisation of tax losses and 
pension contributions. The significant initiatives made towards addressing the pension 
deficit have resulted in tax relief for the Group.

Taking the brought forward losses and pension relief into account the Group should pay a 
relatively low level of cash tax compared to the statutory charge over the next two to three 
years. The timing of these deductions does not effect the statutory tax charge due to the 
deferred tax impact, which is recognised in full in the year.

The adjusted tax rate for adjusted profits is lower than the standard tax rate as the 
utilisation of losses is in excess of normal disallowable costs:

Profit before tax as reported
Operating exceptional items (net)
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets*
Non-operating exceptional items
Adjustments to net financing costs
Adjusted profit before tax

Tax (charge)/credit as reported
Net charge for exceptional and other items
Credit in respect of amortisation and impairment of intangible assets*
Credit in respect of adjustments to net financing costs
Credit in respect of prior period items
Other tax adjustments
Adjusted tax charge
Adjusted rate of tax

*Amortisation of intangible assets arising from business combinations. 

 2010  
£m
286
(19)
48
–
6
321

 2010  
£m
(16)
5
(13)
(2)
–
(47)
(73)
23%

2009  
£m
25
(53)
51
73
12
108

2009  
£m
69
21
(14)
(3)
(82)
(26)
(35)
32%

The purpose of presenting an adjusted tax charge is to more closely reflect the expected 
cash tax in respect of the current year’s profit before tax. The Group adjusts its reported tax 
charge for exceptional items and material or non-recurring items, including amortisation of 
intangibles, adjustments to net financing costs and certain tax adjustments. In 2010 the 
other adjustments of £47 million primarily represents the deferred tax benefit of tax losses 
available for use in future years. These losses are expected to be utilised over the next two 
to three years and as a result the adjusted tax rate in that period is expected to be lower 
than the statutory rate.

 
 
 
34 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Financial and performance review continued

‘Improved profits, reduced 
interest and a lower 
effective tax rate have all 
helped adjusted EPS rise 
from 1.8p to 6.4p’

Earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share is 6.4 pence (2009: 1.8 pence). Basic earnings per share is 
6.9 pence (2009: 2.3 pence). 

Reconciliation between reported and adjusted earnings

EBITA before exceptional items
Exceptional items
Amortisation and impairment
Financing costs
JVs and associates
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Non-controlling interests
Earnings
Number of shares
Earnings per share

Adjustments  
£m
–
(19)
48
6
–
35
(57)
(22)
–
(22)

 Reported  
£m
408
19
(63)
(75)
(3)
286
(16)
270
(1)
269
3,884
6.9p

Adjusted 
£m
408
–
(15)
(69)
(3)
321
(73)
248
(1)
247
3,884
6.4p

The adjustments shown above, such as exceptional items, remove the impact of those 
items that, in management’s view, do not show the performance of the business in a 
consistent manner and do not reflect how the business is managed and measured on 
a daily basis.

Amortisation of intangible assets acquired through business combinations is not included 
within adjusted earnings. Amortisation of software licences and development is included as 
management consider these assets to be core to supporting the operations of the business. 

The tax and financing costs sections of this review explain the principal adjustments to 
these balances.

Dividend
The Board intends to restore payment of a dividend at the interim results in July 2011.

Disposals and assets held for sale
The Group continues to dispose of non-core assets. Two businesses, Friends Reunited and the 
50% interest in Screenvision US, were sold for a net consideration of £69 million. Properties 
at Bristol and Birmingham were sold for a total consideration of £7 million.

The Group continues to actively market for sale its 50% interest in the joint venture 
Screenvision Europe and its surplus properties.

 
35
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Cash flow, working capital management and net debt
Cash flow and working capital management
With profits and cash flows overly dependent on the volatile television advertising market, 
it is important that ITV manages its cash and working capital tightly. 2010 was another 
good year in this regard, with 127% ‘profit to cash’ conversion being delivered, well ahead 
of our benchmark of 90% over a rolling three-year period. It will be difficult to repeat this 
level of ‘profit to cash’ conversion in 2011, primarily because our capital expenditure is rising 
and programme rights and other inventory are now reduced to more normalised levels.

EBITA* (‘profit’)

Decrease in programme rights and other  
inventory and distribution rights
(Increase)/decrease in receivables
Decrease in payables
Working capital movement

Depreciation
Share-based compensation
Cash flow generated from operations*

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Adjusted cash flow

 2010  
£m
408

2009  
(restated) 
£m
202

108
(8)
(1)
99

30
8
545

(28)
517

125
11
(15)
121

38
11
372

(27)
345

‘Profit to cash’ ratio
* Before exceptional items.
2009 has been restated to include cash spend on the acquisition of intangible assets, since this is core to supporting the 
operations of the business. 

127%

171%

Maturity profile at 31 December 2010 (£m)

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

Convertible bond

Liquidity risk
The Group has a high degree of operational gearing and is exposed to the economic cycle. 
Between 2005 and 2009 ITV’s profitability declined as the economy weakened and volatile 
television advertising revenues fell. This resulted in a lowering of ITV’s credit ratings by 
Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s respectively from investment grade (BBB-/BBB-/Baa3) 
to sub investment grade (B+/BB-/B1). However, with the upturn in television advertising 
revenues in 2010 combined with good cash and cost control, these pressures have been 
partially eased. Although still sub investment grade, in May 2010 Standard & Poor’s revised 
ITV’s credit ratings outlook from Negative to Stable (B+) and then put it on ‘credit watch 
positive’ in January 2011. In August 2010 Fitch and Moody’s both increased ITV’s credit 
ratings by one notch to BB and Ba3 respectively.

Funding
ITV is aware of the perceived inefficiency of holding £860 million of cash and cash equivalents 
and over £1 billion of gross debt, but it is important to note the speed at which the net 
debt has reduced over the past two years. The extent of decline of the television advertising 
market in 2008 and 2009, and then the subsequent recovery in 2010, was unexpected. 
This recovery, combined with tight cash control, has allowed net debt to reduce significantly 
over two years from £730 million at 31 December 2008 to £188 million at 31 December 
2010. In addition to net debt of £188 million at 31 December 2010, the Group also has an 
IAS 19 Pension Deficit of £313 million. 

In 2010 ITV bought back €63 million (£54 million) nominal of the 2011 bonds, £42 million 
nominal of 2015 bonds and repaid the £50 million May 2013 loan. As at 31 December 2010, 
ITV’s net sterling position after the impact of cross currency swaps against the remaining 
€54 million 2011 Eurobond is a receivable of £16 million. This receivable has arisen due to 
large positive swap values arising from favourable currency movements; when ITV 
exchanged or bought back these series of bonds it was more efficient to enter into 
new swaps to protect this position rather than terminate existing swaps.

In October 2010 ITV increased the size of its undrawn, covenant free bilateral bank facility 
secured on advertising receivables from £75 million to £125 million and the maturity of this 
facility was extended from March 2013 to September 2015. This facility remains undrawn.

 
 
36 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Financial and performance review continued

‘Gross debt has been 
reduced in the year due 
to the repurchase of 
some of the more 
expensive debt’

IAS 19 pension deficit versus 2009 (£m)

600 

500 

436

80

147

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

9
0
0
2

n

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28

28

313

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ITV is financed using debt instruments with a range of maturities. Borrowings at 
31 December 2010 (net of currency hedges and secured gilts) are repayable as follows:

Amount repayable 
€54 million Eurobond*
£110 million Eurobond
€188 million Eurobond*
£383 million Eurobond
£135 million Convertible bond
£250 million Eurobond
£200 million bank loan**
Finance leases
Total repayable

Maturity
October 2011
March 2013
June 2014
October 2015
November 2016
January 2017
March 2019
Various

£m
(16)
110
126
383
135
250
62
61
1,111

*  Net of cross currency swaps.  
**Net of £138 million (nominal) Gilts secured against the loan. 

At 31 December 2010 ITV had £860 million of cash and cash equivalents. This figure includes 
£89 million of cash equivalents whose use is restricted to finance lease commitments and 
unfunded pension commitments. Cash and cash equivalents also include £47 million held 
principally in overseas and part owned subsidiaries. 

As explained above, steps have been taken to repurchase some of the more expensive debt. 
The remaining debt now held is not expensive given our credit rating (at an average gross 
cost of debt of 7%), is an appropriate mix of medium to long-term debt and has no financial 
covenants. As ITV drives forward the Transformation Plan it is also important that some 
flexibility is maintained to invest in the business.

Pensions
Reducing pension risk and uncertainty
As part of the long-term strategy to manage the risks and uncertainties associated with 
the pension schemes, the Group has continued to implement a programme of measures 
to manage the cost and risks of providing the defined benefit arrangements and to provide 
greater security for the benefits that members have built up.

During 2010, ITV implemented two initiatives to reduce these risks, resulting in a £28 million 
income statement gain. With effect from 1 April 2010, ITV is offering all new pensioners the 
opportunity to uplift part of their pension in return for giving up rights to annual increases 
on that part of their pension. Additionally, the offer was extended to existing pensioners who 
retired after the initial offer was made in 2009. The level of member acceptance resulted in a 
past service credit of £27 million over 2010, reflecting the reduction in the liabilities due to the 
option being accepted by these pensioners and the expected take-up of this option in the 
future. In addition, the Group carried out an enhanced transfer value (‘ETV’) programme 
aimed at reducing the liabilities in respect of the deferred pensioner population. This resulted 
in a net settlement gain of £1 million, reflecting the difference between the liabilities 
removed and the ETV paid.

IAS 19
Detailed analysis of the Group’s pension schemes, including timing of actuarial valuations, 
are included in note 3.6 of the financial statements.

The Group’s defined contribution schemes gave rise to an operating charge in 2010 of 
£6 million (2009: £4 million). 

The aggregate IAS 19 deficit on defined benefit schemes at 31 December 2010 was £313 million 
(2009: £436 million). This decrease was driven by an increase in the value of the scheme 
assets, the benefits from the actions taken in the year as set out above and the reduction 
in liabilities due to the Government’s decision to link statutory pension increases to the 
Consumer Price Index rather than the Retail Price Index. This was offset in part by a decrease 
in the discount rate applied to liabilities.

 
 
 
 
‘We continue to 
implement a programme 
of measures to manage 
the cost and risks of 
providing the defined 
benefit arrangements’

37
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

SDN pension partnership
In the first half of 2010 the Group and the Trustee of the ITV Pension Scheme (‘the 
Scheme’) created a pension funding partnership, ITV Scottish Limited Partnership (‘the 
Partnership’). The Partnership owns SDN Limited and the Group has contributed an interest 
in the Partnership worth £124 million to the main section of the Scheme. The Group retains 
control, and continues to consolidate the revenue and cashflow, of the Partnership and SDN. 

Under the Partnership arrangements, the Group has committed to making a payment 
to the main section of the Scheme of up to £150 million in 2022, if and to the extent that it 
remains in deficit. In addition, the Partnership will make an annual distribution of £8 million 
to the Scheme for 12 years from 2011. The Partnership’s interest in SDN will provide collateral 
for these payments. The Scheme’s interest in the Partnership reduces the deficit on a funding 
basis, although the agreement does not impact the deficit on an IAS 19 basis, as it is not an 
asset controlled by the Scheme. The deferred tax balance associated with the pension deficit 
has been adjusted to reflect this transaction (see note 2.3 in the financial statements).

Deficit funding 
The Group has agreed with the Trustee the level of contributions to the main section of 
the ITV Pension Scheme through to 2014. From 2011 the Group will make deficit funding 
contributions of £35 million per annum. From 2012 the Group’s annual contribution will 
be increased by £5 million, unless during the previous year the Group implemented 
initiatives which reduce the Scheme’s deficit by at least £10 million, compared with the level 
absent such initiatives. In addition from 2012, if the Group’s reported EBITA before exceptional 
items exceeds £300 million in the previous year, the Group will increase this contribution by 
an amount representing 10% of EBITA before exceptional items over this threshold level. 
These arrangements supersede the Group’s previous commitment to make annual 
contributions of £30 million per annum through to 2013. Further deficit contributions of 
£8 million will commence from 2011 as a result of the SDN partnership, as described above. 
Assuming no unforeseen circumstances, no further change is currently expected in ITV’s 
committed contributions to the main section of the Scheme before 2015. The triennial 
valuation, as at 1 January 2010, of the two smaller sections of the defined benefit pension 
scheme, sections B and C, is in progress.

Trustees’ investment strategy
The Trustees continue to review the investment strategy for the main defined benefit pension 
scheme. The asset allocation of the main section of the Scheme as at 31 December 2010 
was broadly that 47% of the assets were invested in equity, property and other return 
seeking assets, and 53% were invested in bonds and other liability-matching investments. 
The Trustees also use derivative instruments to hedge partial exposures to movements in 
interest rates, inflation and foreign exchange rates.

Ian Griffiths Group Finance Director

 
38 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Risks and uncertainties

The effective identification and management of risks is essential for ITV to 
successfully execute the Transformation Plan, to protect its reputation and 
to enhance shareholder value.

Monitoring

Bi-annual review by 
Management Board and 
the ITV plc Board. Bi-annual 
review of mitigating 
activities by internal audit.

Monthly review by 
Management Board and 
ongoing attention from 
risk owners.

HILL  
Risks

Strategic 
Risks

Process Level 
Risks

Ongoing review by internal 
audit as part of the cyclical 
audit programme.

Risk management approach and structure
In 2010 ITV undertook a review of its risk management process and has developed a new 
approach. ITV is of the belief that it provides a greater focus on the key risks whilst retaining 
(and building upon) the output of the previous process. This new approach covers risks at 
all levels of the organisation and examines business risks from both a top down and 
bottom up basis.

The new approach breaks down risks into three core groups 
– High impact, low likelihood (HILL) risks – of low inherent likelihood but where there would 

be major consequences were the risk to materialise; 

– Strategic risks – would impact the successful execution of the strategy; and
– Process level risks – risks that are embedded into every day activity within the 

organisation.

Number of risks

‘In 2010 ITV undertook 
a review of its risk 
management process 
and has developed a 
new approach’

Risk management process
Each strategic risk is owned by a member of the Management Board. The risk owner will 
formally report to the Management Board, which has overall responsibility for the content 
and operation of the risk management framework, on a monthly basis.

The ITV plc Board regularly reviews the risk management framework (including risk at all 
three levels), its content and its operation. The Board is responsible for establishing a robust 
and appropriate process, including regularly reviewing the risks themselves. The Audit 
Committee keeps under review the effectiveness of the risk management process.

HILL risks
These risks can be described as those that would be considered to have a low degree of 
likelihood of occurring, but, if they were to materialise would have a very significant impact 
on the organisation. They are pervasive risks that impact the whole of the organisation. They 
are generally more static in nature and as such are subject to a lower frequency of review. 

The following HILL risks have been identified and for each risk mitigating actions have been 
put in place. The risk that:
– there is a major regulatory breach that results in the loss of the Channel 3 licence, or the 

Channel 3 licence is not renewed in 2014 and no contingency plan is in place to cover that 
loss

– there is a major decline in advertising revenues, or that there is a double dip recession, 

significantly impacting ITV’s overall financial performance

– there is a significant or unexpected change in regulation or legislation
– there is a significant loss of programme rights
– a major physical incident results in ITV being unable to continue with scheduled 

broadcasting

– a significant event removes a number of the key management team from the business on 

a long-term or permanent basis

– ITV loses its credit status or lines of funding with existing lenders
– there is a major collapse in investment values leading to a material pension scheme deficit
– there is a major health and safety incident that results in a significant loss of human life
– there is a sustained denial of transmission facilities at Technicolor, our third party 

outsourced provider

– there is a loss of a major data centre
– there is a sustained cyber/viral attack causing prolonged system denial or major 

reputational damage

39
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Strategic risks
The top strategic risks are those that impact the successful execution of the strategy and as 
a result require regular Management Board monitoring. A risk owner at Management Board 
level has been identified for each risk, mitigating actions have been put in place and key risk 
indicators identified. All of the strategic risks identified have been mapped to the four strategic 
priorities of the Transformation Plan and have been grouped by five key risk themes. 
See table below.

Strategic priorities
1 Create a lean, creatively dynamic and fit-for-purpose organisation
2 Maximise audience and revenue share from existing free-to-air broadcast business
3 Drive new revenue streams by exploiting our content across multiple platforms, free and pay
4 Build a strong international content business

Risk

Strategic priorities

ITV lacks sufficient experienced and creative talent to deliver the 
Transformation Plan

ITV employees are not sufficiently engaged in the new strategy

The extensive degree of change that the business will undergo will 
overload a small number of key personnel

Risk theme

People

Culture

Organisation, structure and process

ITV lacks the process maturity and experience to support new 
core processes and outsourcing

Technology

The market

The lack of commercial and strategic clarity between Studios and 
Broadcasting & Online will result in sub-optimal decisions 
being made

A significant and high profile transmission incident 
causes significant reputation damage to ITV

ITV fails to identify and secure sufficient programme rights

Management information is not sufficient to support process 
improvement, integration or decision-making

ITV fails to invest in, develop or operate international businesses

Current technological environment and business processes are 
not sufficient to support the growth in interactive and direct 
customer relationships

ITV’s infrastructure does not support the developing needs of the 
business going forward

ITV remains over-reliant on the advertising market and therefore 
heavily exposed to the economic cycle

Process level risks
Process level risks are those that are embedded into the everyday activities of each of the 
divisions of the organisation. These risks are mapped to the annual internal audit programme. 

 
40 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Responsibility

‘As a broadcaster and 
producer, ITV’s activities 
can impact the lives of 
millions of people’

41
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

The leadership team has undergone 
development reviews, incorporating 
psychometric tests and coaching support. 
The output of this has resulted in improved 
clarity on the make up of our leadership 
team and the identification of strengths 
and capability gaps. ITV has begun to 
address these gaps by means of a four 
stage leadership development programme 
– ‘Leading Transformation’. This programme 
has begun to create a network of leaders 
with a common frame of reference on how 
we lead at ITV. Next year, we will continue 
to roll out the Leading Transformation 
programme to our leadership team with 
a focus on strengthening the network, 
leading change and managing sustainable 
commercial relationships. 

Key to our business transformation is the 
creation of a high performance culture 
and we have established a programme 
to upskill all our managers in performance 
management with practical sessions 
facilitated by credible leaders in the business. 
This is in support of our end of year 
performance reviews. The launch of the 
performance management cycle will enable 
managers to drive performance throughout 
the year and ensure we focus and build 
capability around clear and effective 
objective setting, personal development 
and succession as well as performance. 

We continue to be inclusive in our approach 
to training and development and this year 
over 1,800 of our colleagues have benefited 
from a formal training course. We have run 
new programmes to develop middle and 
senior managers as well as establishing 
monthly development master classes 
open to all colleagues. 

Responsibility
As a broadcaster and producer, ITV’s 
activities can impact the lives of millions 
of people: our employees, our viewers 
and online users, UK and international 
broadcasters, suppliers and the community 
and environment in which we operate. 
We have a responsibility to all these people 
to behave in a responsible manner. ITV1’s 
average weekly reach alone is 42.7 million 
people. This is 75% of the UK population 
and as such ITV is in a unique position with 
the potential to have a significant impact 
on the way the world is viewed from live 
General Election debates to the latest 
pop sensation.

Our people
Our people are fundamental to our business 
and to the delivery of the Transformation 
Plan. Therefore, attracting and retaining 
talent is critical to our success. Our focus 
over the last nine months has been on 
fixing the business and making it fit for 
purpose. This has involved not only making 
sure we have the best leadership team but 
the right people across the whole organisation 
and building their engagement and 
commitment to the Transformation Plan.

ITV has launched a new bespoke 
engagement survey which enables us 
to gain an accurate picture of morale 
and engagement at team level as well as 
business area level. Employee engagement 
has improved from 65% to 75%. However, 
there is still work to be done and ITV will 
work with managers to improve employee 
engagement. The new survey approach 
provides the leadership team with better 
information to increase employee 
engagement and commitment and to 
target improvements on how ITV can 
become a better place to work.

People development
In 2010, ITV has started to deliver against 
an ambitious people development agenda, 
in support of our business transformation. 
People development is important across 
the business. The initial focus has been 
on assessing and further developing the 
leadership capability of our 120 leaders, who 
will then help their own teams to develop. 

‘ITV has launched a new 
bespoke engagement 
survey which enables 
us to gain an accurate 
picture of morale 
and engagement at 
team level as well as 
business area level’

 
42 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Responsibility continued

‘Effective, open, two-way 
internal communication 
is vital to making ITV 
a great place to work 
and to the successful 
delivery of our five-year 
Transformation Plan’

Benefits and incentives
A key element of the Transformation Plan is 
to make ITV a great place to work. We want 
to create an environment of ‘one ITV’, a 
single, dynamic organisation. We aim to 
establish a performance driven culture that 
recognises employees for their personal 
achievements and contribution towards 
delivering ITV’s goals. 

In 2010 ITV launched Relish, a new benefits 
package, which is available to all employees 
and provides valuable cost savings to both 
the Company and employees. A new 
option for 2011, gives all employees the 
opportunity to access private healthcare 
cover for themselves and their dependants. 
The introduction of Relish has been well 
received with over 50% of eligible 
employees participating.

In January 2011, ITV’s annual pay review 
awarded all eligible employees earning 
under £60,000 a 3% increase, as well as an 
additional one-off award to the value of 
£300. Part of this one-off award was made 
in ITV shares to give all employees a stake 
in the business. 

As part of the shift towards ensuring 
performance is at the heart of our business, 
the 2011 pay award for eligible employees 
earning £60,000 or above is linked to their 
performance rating for 2010. This is the first 
step towards our goal of creating a strong 
link between performance and reward for 
all ITV employees.

Diversity
Our Diversity and Equality strategy aims 
to ensure equality of opportunity to all 
employees irrespective of gender, marital 
status, race, origin, nationality, religious 
belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. 
ITV is recognised as a positive employer 
and holds the ‘two-tick’ disability symbol to 
demonstrate its commitment in recruiting 
and retaining individuals with disabilities.

ITV is an active participant in the major 
national and industry specific diversity 
forums. Throughout the year it has 
achieved successes in finding and 
developing new diverse talent as well as 
delivering specific employee engagement 
initiatives to work towards a workforce 
that fully reflects the audience it serves. 
The table on page 45 gives further 
information on ITV’s workplace profile.

Communication
Effective, open, two-way internal 
communication is vital to making 
ITV a great place to work and to the 
successful delivery of our five-year 
Transformation Plan. 

Employees receive regular updates on 
our Transformation Plan through a number 
of different channels. Everyone had the 
opportunity to hear our strategy directly 
from the Management Board at company-
wide roadshows. Bi-monthly breakfast 
meetings are held for the senior leadership 
team and information from these are 
cascaded down through teams across the 
Company. The Company intranet – the 
Watercooler – has been re-launched and 
now provides a number of social media 
functions where colleagues can give 
feedback and ask questions right across 
the Company. 

Health and safety 
The health and safety (H&S) of employees, 
contractors and visitors at ITV is always a 
high priority. A management system has 
been developed by the internal H&S team 
to meet the specific risk profile of the 
business and is supported by a 
comprehensive training programme. 
H&S is communicated throughout the 
organisation by a network of local 
committees, who report to the ITV H&S 
Steering Group. The table on page 45 gives 
further information on ITV’s H&S statistics.

43
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

ITV Studios supply programming to 
broadcasters and commissioners worldwide. 
The business works closely with its partners 
to produce and supply the highest quality 
content, which is commercially appealing 
and rewarding.

Suppliers
ITV conducts business with a large variety 
of suppliers and believes that its terms are 
considered fair and reasonable. To ensure 
ITV trades responsibly, environmental and 
health and safety questionnaires are 
completed on all transactions. 

The procurement team is organised in a 
way that supports the business in choosing 
and managing the correct supplier. Specific 
focus has been in the areas of technology, 
production, property and site, travel and 
marketing. An internal review was 
undertaken in 2010 which has led to the 
appointment of two new Commercial 
Vendor Managers. This will develop the 
focus on the commercial management of 
our key technology suppliers and partners. 

ITV has a variety of suppliers who are key to 
the business. A number of the Company’s 
major suppliers are involved in the 
broadcast of ITV’s family of channels and 
include Arqiva, Technicolor, SES Astra and 
BT. Other key suppliers include those who 
provide the technology for outside broadcast 
such as SIS. In 2010, ITV signed a five-year 
outsourcing contract with Accenture for 
them to provide ITV with technology 
operations and support services. 

Key suppliers of programming and 
broadcasting programme rights include 
ITN, who provides ITV’s national news 
programmes, Fremantle who produce 
Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor for 
ITV1, the Football Association, The Rugby 
Football Union and NBC Universal Studios. 

ITV work closely with all key suppliers and 
seek to appropriately manage any risks 
arising from these arrangements, for 
example by signing long-term contracts 
in areas such as programme supply, or by 
working with more than one supplier in 
areas where we do not wish to become 
reliant on a single partner. 

Customers
Our key customers are our viewers, our 
advertisers and other broadcasters.

To understand ITV viewers and their 
expectations of us more fully, throughout 
2010 we continued to commission an 
independent research company to recruit 
and survey our Vision Panel. The panel is 
representative of 8,000 adult television 
viewers along with a smaller independent 
panel, My Digital Life, to obtain feedback 
from the online market. This enables ITV 
to measure audience reaction to our 
programmes and content on a daily basis 
and to achieve an in-depth understanding 
of viewer reaction and preferences. It also 
allows ITV to ask regular questions about 
the family of digital channels, using the 
panel to test new ideas and to find out 
people’s views on broader media issues. 
ITV also undertakes qualitative research, 
using focus groups to obtain feedback on 
a range of programming. 

All ITV programmes must comply with 
the Ofcom Broadcasting Code in relation to 
their content and scheduling. ITV observes 
the 9.00 pm watershed, and alerts viewers 
to material that may cause offence 
immediately before relevant programming. 
ITV has detailed compliance processes and 
an in-house compliance team that provides 
support and advice for programme makers 
and commissioners before and during 
production, and reviews programmes 
before broadcast. ITV maintains a responsive 
complaints handling service via ITV’s Viewer 
Services team, and viewers can also raise 
any concerns about programmes directly 
with Ofcom. In 2010, 1,145 ITV programmes 
were complained about to Ofcom, compared 
to 797 in 2009, and Ofcom adjudications 
found six breaches compared to 13 in 2009.

Our relationship with advertisers is key 
to driving advertising revenues. ITV has 
restructured its Commercial and Online 
division as we forge ahead with our strategic 
plan. The Commercial department will have 
a renewed focus on our customers and 
clients giving more opportunities for 
advertisers to promote their brands across 
a number of platforms. This will ensure that 
they rely on us even more to help them 
stand out in an increasingly competitive 
market as well as to deliver a better return 
on investment. 

‘All ITV programmes must 
comply with the Ofcom 
Broadcasting Code in 
relation to their content 
and scheduling’

 
44 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Responsibility continued

‘ITV engages in 
Diversity and Disability 
initiatives including 
our award-winning  
in-house signing facility, 
SignPost, which provides 
online signing services, 
news, information, 
entertainment and 
education in and 
about sign language’

Environment
In 2010, ITV continued to focus on the 
careful management of environmental 
matters across all areas of the organisation. 
Our environmental management 
programme is built around a broad range 
of activities, although the focus for 2010 
was heavily influenced by the need 
to comply with the new Carbon Reduction 
Commitment – Energy Efficiency 
Scheme (CRC).

ITV continued to measure and monitor its 
carbon footprint and environmental impact 
during 2010. We are currently working on 
new ways to identify opportunities to 
improve our performance. The changes 
to our property portfolio during the year, 
coupled with the ongoing focus on resource 
management, has led to a reduction in the 
size of the carbon footprint of certain parts 
of the business and an improving situation 
with regard to water consumption. 

Procedures to ensure new environmental 
regulatory requirements are identified, 
understood and proactively managed were 
put in place during 2009. These procedures 
allowed us to promptly fulfil the complex 
registration requirements of the CRC. 
Having met the obligations we are currently 
reviewing our operation and property 
portfolio to identify any areas of opportunity 
for reducing our energy consumption.

Our cross business CRC working group has 
identified a number of organisational 
priorities for the coming year. These include 
the building of carbon skills into the 
business and preparing for the purchase 
of carbon in April 2012.

Our innovative waste management 
continued to deliver strong results, 
encouraging waste reduction and the 
recycling of materials. The total mass of 
waste produced by ITV during 2010 shows 
a reduction of more than 15% when 
compared with the same figure for 2009. In 
terms of recycling, 60% of waste produced 
was sent to recycling which is slightly lower 
than 2009 but in excess of our target of 
50%. In order to ensure the best possible 
results, both for the business and in terms 
of environmental protection, ITV is 
undertaking a programme of verification 
audits which will be reported next year.

Community
ITV is proud to play a wider social role and 
we actively engage our viewers across the 
country on issues that affect their lives and 
have an impact on the community in which 
they live. Both on and off-screen, ITV’s 
network and regional teams aim to take 
part in important initiatives that encourage 
individuals to seek to improve their lives, 
support community projects or promote 
integration of minority groups within 
their region.

In 2010, ITV continued to be an active 
partner in the cross-industry and 
government campaign to improve the 
nation’s health and fitness. As a founding 
member of the Business4Life movement, 
ITV continued to support the Change4Life 
campaign both onscreen and online. 
Through network and regional programming 
viewers are encouraged to achieve a 
healthier lifestyle. Campaigns include the 
ITV Feelgood Factor Award and the launch 
of ITV’s Walk4Life Day in September.

In 2010 ITV regional news programmes 
across the UK helped give away £3.5 million 
of lottery funding in the People’s Millions 
competition. Around 75 community 
projects received awards of up to £50,000 
from the Big Lottery Fund. Now in its sixth 
year, the People’s Millions competition 
within regional news programmes has 
helped give away more than £25 million 
with hundreds of good causes benefiting 
as a result.

Young people and their views on what 
needs fixing in our communities is the focus 
for another regional news initiative called 
ITV Fixers. In partnership with the Public 
Service Broadcasting Trust and funded by 
the Nationwide Foundation and by V – 
the youth volunteering charity. Young 
volunteers with the support of mentors 
from the Trust make a film about their 
projects which were transmitted on ITV 
regional news programmes. 

ITV engages in diversity and disability 
initiatives including our award-winning 
in-house signing facility, SignPost, which 
provides online signing services, news, 
information, entertainment and education 
in and about sign language. In 2010, 
SignPost won four more awards including 
an RTS Best Online Production and a UK 
IT Industry Medal. 

As a member of various diversity 
organisations, such as Stonewall, Cultural 
Diversity Network and Employers’ Forum 
on Disability, we look to support under-
represented groups and local communities. 
This is achieved by offering services and 
facilities in-kind for events and lend our 
name to endorse key projects. 

‘In 2010, ITV continued 
to focus on the careful 
management of 
environmental matters 
across all areas of the 
organisation’

45
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Donations
ITV supports a range of charities. In 2010, 
ITV produced and broadcast Socceraid 
which raised in excess of £2.8 million for 
UNICEF; whilst viewers of This Morning’s 
Xmas Appeal supported the children’s 
cancer charity CLIC Sargent with donations 
of £400,000.

The Company made contributions to 
charities and equivalent organisations 
amounting to £1.5 million (2009: £2 million) 
in cash and £5.7 million (2009: £10 million) 
in kind, totalling £7.2 million (2009: £12 
million). In kind donations include a Pro 
Bono Bank initiative which, through a novel 
arrangement with the Solicitors Regulation 
Authority, enables ITV in-house lawyers to 
provide free legal advice to charities. Further 
details will be set out in our Corporate 
Responsibility report.

It is the Company’s policy not to make 
cash contributions to any political party. 
However, within the normal activities of 
the Group’s national and regional news 
gathering operations there are occasions 
when activity may fall within the wide 
definition of political expenditure contained 
in the Companies Act 2006. Shareholder 
authority for such expenditure was given 
at the Annual General Meeting in 2010 and 
a similar resolution will be proposed at the 
2011 Annual General Meeting. During the 
year the Group made no payments falling 
within the definition of political expenditure 
(2009: nil).

Corporate Responsibility
ITV recognises the importance of Corporate 
Responsibility. Full details on ITV’s Corporate 
Responsibility objectives and activities will 
be set out in the separate Corporate 
Responsibility report available on the 
Company’s website, www.itvplc.com 

The tables below provide a summary of performance against key Corporate Responsibility 
performance indicators: 

Protecting the environment(1)

CO2 emissions from business travel (tonnes)(2)
Total CO2 emissions (tonnes)(2)
Total waste (tonnes)
Total waste recycled
Total water use (m3)(3)

Workplace profile (%)

Female employees
Ethnic minority employees(4)
Employees with a disability(5)
Employees aged over 50

Health and safety(6)

Accidents requiring more than three days-off work
Major accidents
Fatal accidents

Access services for ITV1 (% of programmes)

Subtitling
Audio description
Signing

 2010
5,774
44,427
1,800
60%
87,000

2009
6,831
46,383
2,195
65%
86,656

 2010
49.9
9.7
2.7
15

 2010
5
2
0

 2010
98.2
21.5
6.4

2009
48.2
9.1
3.1
12.9

2009
6
5
0

2009
94.5
17.3
5.6

(1)  UK only, including landlord managed sites, assistance with data compilation by Mason Hardy Ltd.
(2)  Calculated in accordance with the WRI/WBCSD Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology.
(3)  Our reported water position represents an estimate pending final data unavailable at the time of reporting.
(4)  Percentage of those who disclosed their ethnicity.
(5)  Percentage of those who disclosed their disability.
(6)  Employee accidents excluding contractors.

 
 
 
 
 
46 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010

Board of directors

The particulars below relate to directors in 
office at the date of this report. For a full list 
of directors who served during the year, 
please see page 52. Details of their interests 
in shares and share schemes are set out in 
the Remuneration report.

Archie Norman
Chairman

Adam Crozier
Chief Executive

Appointment to the board: 1 January 2010
Age: 56 (01 May 1954)
Committee membership: Nomination 
(Chairman), Remuneration
External appointments:
– Adviser to Wesfarmers Limited (2009)
– Director of Coles Group (2007)
– Chairman, HSS Hire Services Group (2007)
– Founder, Aurigo Management 

Partners LLP (2006)

– Senior Adviser to Lazard (2003)
– Trustee, Cystic Fibrosis Trust (2009)
– Governor, National Institute of Economic 

and Social Research (1997)

Previous experience:
– Chairman, Energis (2002–2005)
– Member of Parliament (1997–2005), Chief 
Executive and Deputy Chairman of the 
Conservative Party (1998–1999); Shadow 
Minister for Europe (1999–2000); Shadow 
Secretary of State for Department of 
Environment, Transport and the Regions 
(2000–2001); Founder, Policy Exchange (2001)

– Chief Executive (1991–1996) and Chairman 

(1996–1999), ASDA Group plc

– Finance Director, Kingfisher plc (1986–1991)
– Chairman, Chartwell Land plc (1987–1991)
– Non-executive director of British Rail  

(1992–1994), Railtrack plc (1994–2000), 
and Geest plc (1988–1991)

– Partner, McKinsey and Co (1979–1986)
Qualifications: MA, MBA

Appointment to the board: 26 April 2010
Age: 47 (26 January 1964)
Committee membership: General Purpose
External appointments:
– Non-executive director of Debenhams plc 

(2006)

Previous experience:
– Group Chief Executive, Royal Mail  

Group (2003–2010)

– Non-executive director of Camelot  

Group plc (2007–2010)

– Chief Executive of the Football  

Association (2000–2002)

– Joined Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising in 1988. 

Joint Chief Executive (1995–1998)

Qualifications: BA

Mike Clasper CBE
Senior independent director

Appointment to the board: 3 January 2006
Age: 57 (21 April 1953)
Committee membership: Audit, Nomination, 
Remuneration
External appointments:
– Chairman of Which? Ltd (2008)
– Chairman of HM Revenue & Customs (2008)
– Chairman of the West London 

Consortium (2006)
Previous experience:
– Member of the Investor Board of EMI 

Group (2007–2008)

– Operational managing director of Terra 

Firma (2008)

– Member of the National Employment 

Panel (2006–2008)

– Founder member of the Corporate Leaders 

Group on Climate Change

– Chief executive of BAA plc (2003–2006), 

deputy chief executive BAA plc (2001–2003)

– President of Global Home Care, Procter 

& Gamble (1999–2001)

Qualifications: MA

Ian Griffiths
Group Finance Director

Lucy Neville-Rolfe CMG
Non-executive director

John Ormerod
Non-executive director

47
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Appointment to the board: 9 September 2008
Age: 44 (26 September 1966)
Committee membership: General Purpose
External appointments: None
Previous experience:
– Group Finance Director of  
Emap plc (2005–2008)

– Senior Finance roles held within Emap 

plc including director of financial control 
(2000–2005) and head of finance at Emap 
Business Communications (1995–2000)
– Manager in audit and corporate finance  

Ernst & Young (1988–1994)

Qualifications: MA, ACA

Appointment to the board: 3 September 2010
Age: 58 (02 January 1953)
Committee membership: Nomination
External appointments:
– Executive Director, Corporate and Legal 

Affairs, Tesco plc (2006)

– Deputy Chair, British Retail Consortium (1998)
– Chairman, Dobbies Garden Centres (2007)
– Non-executive director, The Carbon Trust (2008)
– Member of the Coalition Government’s 

Efficiency and Reform Board (2010)

– Member of China-Britain Business Council 
(2007), UK-India Business Council (2008) 
and Corporate Leaders Group on Climate 
Change (2006)

Previous experience:
– Group Director of Corporate Affairs  

(1997–2006) and Company Secretary 
(2004–2006), Tesco plc

– Director of Deregulation Unit, BIS (then 
DTI) and Cabinet Office (1995–1997)
– Member of Prime Minister’s Policy  

Unit (1992–1994)

– Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries  

& Food (1973–1992)

Qualifications:
– BA, MA, FCIS

Andy Haste
Non-executive director

Appointment to the board: 18 January 2008
Age: 62 (09 February 1949)
Committee membership: Audit (Chairman), 
Nomination, Remuneration
External appointments:
– Non-executive Chairman of Tribal Group plc 

(2010, director from 2009)

– Senior independent director and chairman 

of audit committee Misys plc (2005)

– Non-executive director and chairman of 

audit committee Gemalto NV (2006) and 
Computacenter plc (2006)

– Trustee of The Design Museum (2006)
Previous experience:
– Non-executive director of Negative Equity 
Protection Holdings Limited (2007–2009), 
Millen Group Limited (2007–2009), 
BMS Associates Limited (2004–2008) and 
Merlin Claims Services Holdings Limited 
(2007–2010)

– Member of audit and retail risk control 
committees HBOS plc (2004–2008)

– Trustee of The Roundhouse Trust (2003–2008)
– Chairman of Walbrook Group (2004–2007)
– Chairman of audit committee Transport for 

London (2004–2006)

– Practice senior partner, London, Deloitte & 

Touche (2002–2004)

– Regional managing partner, UK and Ireland 
and senior partner, UK, Arthur Andersen 
(2001–2002)

– Held various positions within Arthur 

Andersen from 1970
Qualifications: MA, FCA

Appointment to the board: 11 August 2008
Age: 49 (01 January 1962)
Committee membership: Audit, Nomination, 
Remuneration (Chairman)
External appointments:
– Group Chief Executive of RSA Insurance 

Group plc (2003)
Previous experience:
– Chief Executive of AXA Sun Life plc  

(1999–2003)

– Director of AXA UK plc (life and pensions) 

(1999–2003)

– President and CEO, GE Capital Global Consumer 

Finance UK, Western Europe and Eastern 
Europe (1998–1999)

– CEO, GE Capital Global Consumer Finance 

UK (1996–1998)

– President of National Westminster Bank US 

Consumer Credit Business (1995–1996), senior 
vice-president and head of US Consumer Loan 
Products Division (1992–1995)

 
48 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Corporate governance 

Leadership 

Board structure 

Set out below is an outline of the governance structure at ITV. 

ITV plc Board

General Purpose

Formal Board Committees

Remuneration

Audit

Nomination

Disclosure

Dear Shareholder, 

The Board of ITV takes corporate governance within the organisation 
seriously and follows the main principles set out in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. On the following pages we set out ITV’s 
Governance policy. The report comprises the following sections: 

ITV Management Board

ITV Studios Board

ITV Broadcasting Board

–  Leadership; 

–  How the Board operates; 

–  Effectiveness; 

–  Relations with shareholders; 

–  Audit Committee report; and 

–  Remuneration report. 

Our aim is to ensure that shareholders are given the information they 
need to decide whether the management and the Board are being 
effective. 

During 2010 ITV plc complied with the requirements of the Combined 
Code on Corporate Governance (the Code) with one exception (C.3.1). 
I was appointed a member of the Audit Committee on 2 February 
2010 to enable the Committee to remain quorate until Andy Haste 
took up membership. I stepped down as a member of the Audit 
Committee with effect from 31 December 2010. 

From 1 January 2011 ITV plc has followed the requirements of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code (the New Code) and will continue to do 
so during 2011. The Board has decided that due to recent changes 
to the structure of the Board the requirement for annual election of 
Board members (B.7.1) will not be put in place in 2011.  

Archie Norman 
2 March 2011 

Details of membership of the ITV Management Board can be found 
on our website at www.itvplc.com. The Board has approved a formal 
framework for approval of expenditure within the Company around this 
governance framework. 

Composition and appointments 

The composition of the Board during 2010 is set out in the table on 
page 52. 

The Board currently consists of two executive directors and five non-
executive directors. Biographical details for each of the directors are set 
out on pages 46 and 47.  

During the year we made the following changes to the Board: 
–  Archie Norman, Adam Crozier and Lucy Neville-Rolfe were appointed 
to the Board with effect from 1 January 2010, 26 April 2010 and 
3 September 2010 respectively; and 

–  Baroness Usha Prashar, John Cresswell and Rupert Howell stepped 

down from the Board with effect from 31 March 2010, 23 April 2010 
and 1 June 2010 respectively. 

John Ormerod completed three years as a non-executive director in 
January 2011. It was agreed that he should serve a further term subject 
to the Board succession planning framework. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roles 

A summary of the roles of each of the Chairman, the Chief Executive 
and the Senior Independent Director are shown in the table below. 
Full job descriptions have been agreed by the Board. 

Role 

Description 

Chairman 

Archie Norman’s principal responsibilities are to: 
–  lead the Board, ensuring that it is effective in 

setting and implementing the Group’s direction 
and strategy; and 

–  act as the Company’s leading representative for all 

key shareholders. 

The Board is satisfied that his other professional 
commitments do not interfere with the performance 
of his duties for the Company. 

Chief Executive  Adam Crozier has responsibility for the performance of 

the Company’s businesses, as dictated by the overall 
strategy agreed by the Board. 

Senior 
Independent 
Director 

Mike Clasper was appointed as Senior Independent 
Director on 1 January 2010. His principal responsibilities 
are to: 
–  act as Chairman of the Board when the Chairman 

is conflicted; 

–  act as a conduit to the Board for the 

communication of shareholder concerns when 
other channels are inappropriate; and 

–  ensure that the Chairman is provided with effective 

performance feedback. 

49

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

How the Board operates 

Meetings 

The number of meetings held during the year and attendance of 
directors is set out in the table on page 52. The Board approves annually 
a schedule of matters to be considered at each meeting and at each 
meeting of its committees. Meetings are normally held in London and 
when appropriate at different regional offices. 

Board meetings are structured around the following areas: 
–  operational and functional updates; 
–  financial updates; 
–  strategy and risk; and 
–  other reporting. 

Senior executives are regularly invited to attend meetings for specific 
items. 

Some of the matters scheduled for consideration in 2011 include: 
–  strategy for international content business; 
–  strategy for news; and 
–  strategy for the schedule, commissioning and brands. 

Meetings between the Chairman and non-executive directors are 
scheduled on the annual board programme to formally discuss 
governance issues. The Chief Executive is sometimes invited to attend. 

Responsibility and delegation 

Specific responsibilities are set out in a schedule of matters reserved to 
the Board. These include: 
–  setting long-term objectives and corporate strategy and approving an 

annual budget; 

–  approving major acquisitions; 
–  approving major divestments and capital expenditure; 
–  approving appointments to the Board; 
–  reviewing systems of internal control and risk management; and 
–  approving policies relating to directors’ remuneration. 

The matters reserved to the Board are available on our website at 
www.itvplc.com 

 
 
 
50 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Corporate governance continued 

Board Committees 

The Board has delegated certain responsibilities to its committees 
detailed on the following pages. The terms of reference for each 
committee are reviewed annually and the current versions are available 
on the Company’s website at www.itvplc.com 

General Purpose Committee: the Committee is comprised of the 
executive directors. The Committee meets as required to conduct the 
Company’s business within the clearly defined limits delegated by the 
Board and subject to those matters reserved to the Board. 

Remuneration Committee: see the Remuneration report on page 56. 

Audit Committee: see the Audit Committee report on page 53. 

Nomination Committee: The Committee is comprised of the  
non-executive directors. 

Archie Norman became Chairman of the Committee on 1 January 2010 
and Lucy Neville-Rolfe joined the Committee on 27 September 2010. 

Full details of attendance at Committee meetings can be found in the 
table on page 52. 

Role: the role of the Committee is to: 
–  review the structure, size and composition of the Board; 
–  identify and nominate for Board approval, candidates to fill 

board vacancies; 

–  evaluate the balance of skills, knowledge and experience on 

the Board; 

–  consider succession planning for directors and other senior 

executives; and 

–  consider any conflicts of interest that may be reported by directors 

of the Company. 

During 2010 these tasks were undertaken by the full Board. The Board 
intends to resume the normal Nomination Committee programme in 
2011. 

Disclosure Committee: the Committee is comprised of certain senior 
management of the Company. The function of the Committee, 
in accordance with the Company’s Inside Information Policy, is to ensure 
compliance with continuing obligations under the Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules and the Listing Rules through the timely public 
disclosure of material information. 

The current membership of each committee (other than the Disclosure 
Committee) is set out below:  

  General Purpose 

Remuneration 
 

Audit 
 

Nomination 
 

 
 

* 

 
 

 

* 

 
 
* 
 

Mike Clasper 
Adam Crozier 
Ian Griffiths 
Andy Haste 
Lucy Neville-Rolfe 
Archie Norman 
John Ormerod 

* Denotes Chairman 

Internal Control 

The Board is required to review, at least annually, all material internal 
controls including financial, operational, and compliance controls and risk 
management systems. The Board has conducted a review of the 
effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal controls for the year 
ended 31 December 2010. In the opinion of the Board, the Company has 
complied with the internal control requirements of the Code throughout 
the year, maintaining an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and 
minimising risk. Further information is set out in the Audit Committee 
report on page 55. 

Board tenure 

All directors are required by the Company’s Articles of Association to be 
elected by shareholders at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
following their appointment by the Board. Subsequently, all directors 
are subject to re-election by shareholders at least every three years. 

The graph below shows the current balance of the Board. 

0-2 years

2-4 years

4-6 years

1

3

3

Succession planning and diversity 

The Board has agreed a succession planning framework to ensure that: 
–  board tenure is appropriate and encourages fresh thinking and new 

ideas; 

–  the Board is sufficiently diverse and has the appropriate mix of 

generalist and specialist skills; and 

–  non-executive directors have the appropriate level of independence, 

from the executive and each other. 

Outside appointments 

With the approval of the Board, executive directors as part of their 
professional development may accept external appointments as non-
executive directors of other companies and retain any related fees paid 
to them. Details of fees received by executive directors during 2010 can 
be found in the Remuneration report on page 61. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-executive directors 

Effectiveness 

51

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Induction and continuing professional development 

The Company has a policy and programme for induction and continuing 
professional development. On appointment, each director takes part in a 
comprehensive induction programme where they: 
–  receive information about the Group in the form of presentations by 
executives from all parts of the business and on the regulatory 
environment; 

–  meet representatives of the Company’s key advisers; 
–  receive information about the role of the Board and the matters 

reserved for its decision, the terms of reference and membership of 
board committees and the powers delegated to those committees; 

–  receive information about the Company’s corporate governance 

practices and procedures and the latest financial information about 
the Group; and 

–  are advised of their legal and other duties and obligations as a director 

of a listed company. 

This is supplemented by visits to key locations, including studios and 
regional sites, and meetings with key senior executives and with major 
shareholders where appropriate. 

During their period in office, the directors are continually updated on the 
Group’s businesses and the competitive and regulatory environments in 
which they operate. This is done through: 
–  regular updates on changes affecting the Group and the market in 

which it operates through written briefings and meetings with senior 
executives across the Group and from meetings with key advisers; 

–  regular updates on changes to the legal and governance 

requirements of the Group and in relation to their own position 
as directors; and 

–  presentations given at board and committee meetings on business 
matters and technical update sessions from external advisers where 
appropriate. 

The Chairman addresses the development needs of the Board as a 
whole, with a view to developing its effectiveness. He ensures that 
the directors’ professional development needs are identified and that 
they are adequately informed about the Company and their 
responsibilities as directors. 

The Board considers each of its current non-executive directors to be 
independent in both character and judgement. They constructively 
challenge and help develop proposals on strategy, and bring 
strong, independent judgement, knowledge and experience to the 
Board’s deliberations. 

The Board also considers that the non-executive directors are of 
sufficient calibre and number that their views carry significant weight 
in the Board’s decision making. Each brings skills and experience in 
different aspects.  

Terms of engagement: non-executive directors all have a contract of 
service, and are appointed for an initial period of three years. At the 
third anniversary of appointment the director will discuss with the 
Board whether it is appropriate for a further term to be served, subject 
to the Board succession planning framework which provides that any 
further term may be adjusted in length should that be in the interests 
of an orderly succession of non-executive directors to the Board.  
The re-appointment of directors who have served for more than 
nine years will be subject to annual review. An outline of the terms of 
engagement can be found on our website at www.itvplc.com 

Time commitment: non-executive directors are expected to commit 
18 to 20 days per annum. The Board is satisfied that each of the 
non-executive directors commits sufficient time to the business of 
the Company. 

Professional advice and Board support 

Directors are given access to independent professional advice at the 
Company’s expense when the directors deem it necessary in order for 
them to carry out their responsibilities. The directors also have access to 
the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who acts as secretary 
to the Board, and Group Secretariat who ensure that board processes 
and corporate governance practices are followed. 

Insurance and indemnities 

The Company maintains liability insurance for its directors and officers 
which is renewed on an annual basis. The Company has also entered into 
deeds of indemnity with its directors. A copy of the indemnity can be 
found on our website at www.itvplc.com 

Conflicts of interest 

The Board is authorised to approve conflicts. It has delegated the 
authorisation of conflicts to the Nomination Committee and has 
adopted a Conflicts of Interest Policy. 

The policy outlines how conflicts will be dealt with and the process for 
directors to follow when notifying the Company of an actual or potential 
conflict. When deciding whether to authorise a conflict or potential 
conflict of interest, only those that have no interest in the matter under 
consideration will be able to take the relevant decision. In addition, the 
Nomination Committee will be able to impose limits or conditions when 
giving authorisation where appropriate. 

The Board has considered in detail the current external appointments 
of the directors which may give rise to a situational conflict and has 
authorised potential conflicts where appropriate. 

This authorisation can be reviewed at any time but will always be 
subject to annual review. The Board is confident that these procedures 
operate effectively. 

 
 
52 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Corporate governance continued 

Performance evaluation 

Relations with shareholders 

The Board has established a formal process for the annual evaluation of 
the performance of the Board, its committees, and individual directors 
(with particular attention given to those who are due for re-election). The 
directors are made aware on appointment that their performance will be 
subject to an annual evaluation and that a director would not be put up 
for re-election at an AGM unless the Chairman has decided that they 
continue to perform effectively and show commitment to the role. 

The evaluation is focused around board processes, board roles and 
responsibilities, board culture and committee roles and processes. 

Some of the actions taken during the year resulting from the 2009 
evaluation include:  

Objectives 

Achievements 

Review content of board papers for 
presentation and clarity of issues  

Finance reports and management reports 
have all been refined 

Review the balance of time spent 
on strategic and routine business 

Annual board programme has been 
reviewed and refined 

Ensure sufficient board succession 
planning in place 

Succession planning will be considered 
further during 2011 

During 2010 the Board changed significantly and a formal external 
evaluation was not considered appropriate. However, an informal internal 
evaluation of the effectiveness of the individual directors and of the 
Board and its committees was carried out by the Chairman and Senior 
Independent Director.  

The quality of papers circulated and presentations made to the Board 
has improved significantly allowing more time for discussion and 
debate. The Board are satisfied that questions are answered honestly 
and constructively. 

The Board attaches a high priority to effective communication with 
shareholders. In addition to the final and interim results presentations 
and the AGM, a series of meetings between institutional shareholders 
and senior management were held throughout 2010. The Chairman 
gave feedback to the Board on issues raised with him by major 
shareholders. This process will continue throughout 2011. 

The Company maintains a corporate website containing a wide range 
of information of interest to institutional and private investors. 
The Company has frequent discussions with institutional shareholders 
on a range of issues affecting its performance both following 
the Company’s announcements and in response to individual 
ad hoc requests. 

Save in exceptional circumstances, all members of the Board will 
attend the AGM and shareholders are invited to ask questions during 
the meeting and to meet with directors prior to and after the formal 
proceedings. At the meeting the Chairman will review the Group’s 
current trading. Notice of the AGM, together with any related 
documents, is made available to shareholders on the Company’s 
website or mailed to them, if they have elected to receive hard copies, 
at least 20 working days before the meeting. Separate resolutions are 
proposed on each substantially separate issue. At the meeting all 
resolutions are taken on a poll. The level of votes lodged on a resolution 
is made available on a regulatory information service and on the 
Company’s website at www.itvplc.com 

The Company regularly seeks feedback on perception of the Company 
amongst its shareholders and the investor community more broadly via 
its corporate brokers. The Company considers annually whether it is 
appropriate to commission an investor audit.  

Details of the AGM are set out page 66 and shareholder information can 
be found on page 115.

Board and Committee membership, and attendance at meetings in 2010 

Current directors 
Mike Clasper 
Adam Crozier 
Ian Griffiths 
Andy Haste 
Lucy Neville-Rolfe 
Archie Norman 
John Ormerod 

Status   

Notes 

Date of appointment
to Board 

Independent and SID 
Executive 
Executive 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 
Independent 

3 January 2006 
26 April 2010 
9 September 2008 
11 August 2008 
3 September 2010 
1 January 2010 
18 January 2008 

1 

2, 3 

Directors who stepped down 
in the year 
John Cresswell 
Rupert Howell 
Baroness Usha Prashar  

Executive  
Executive  
Independent  

4 

Date of resignation
from Board and 
Committees 
23 April 2010 
1 June 2010 
7 February 2005  31 March 2010 

16 January 2006 
28 February 2008 

Notes: 
(1)  Missed one board meeting due to an RSA board meeting. 
(2) 
(3)  Missed one audit committee due to unavoidable overseas commitment. 
(4)  Missed two board meetings and one remuneration committee meeting due to involvement with the Iraq Inquiry.

Independent on appointment to the Board. 

Attendance in 2010 

Board   

Committee   

Audit

Remuneration
Committee 

8   

8   
5   
8   
7   
2   
8   
8   

3   
4   
1   

6   

6  
–  
–  
3  
–  
5  
6  

–  
–  
–  

5 

5 
– 
– 
5 
– 
5 
4 

– 
– 
1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
Audit Committee report 

Dear Shareholder, 

On the following pages we set out the Audit Committee’s report for 
2010. The report comprises four sections: 

–  Committee overview; 

–  Activities in 2010; 

–  Auditors; and 

– 

Internal control. 

Throughout 2010 the Audit Committee (the Committee) continued 
to monitor the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, 
to assist the Board in reviewing the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal control and risk management systems, and to review 
arrangements for its employees to raise concerns in confidence. 

The Committee has also been responsible for reviewing the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal audit function and making 
recommendations to the Board in relation to the re-appointment and 
remuneration of the Company’s external auditor. 

During the year the Committee reviewed the results of a 
fundamental review of the Group’s risk management process. 
Changes are being implemented to sharpen the focus on key risks 
assisting the Board to identify the changing risks faced by the Group; 
to establish the Group’s risk appetite; and through internal audit and 
other procedures to monitor the risk management processes. 

The Committee works to a structured programme of activities with 
agenda items focused to coincide with key events of the annual 
financial reporting cycle, together with standing items that the 
Committee is required to consider regularly. 

The Committee reports regularly to the Board on its work. 

John Ormerod 
Chairman, Audit Committee 
2 March 2011 

53
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Committee overview 

Composition 

The Committee is comprised entirely of non-executive directors. 
The current members are: 
–  John Ormerod (Chairman) 
–  Mike Clasper 
–  Andy Haste (appointed 27 September 2010) 

John Ormerod was appointed as Chairman on 1 January 2010. 

Archie Norman was appointed to the Committee on 2 February 2010 
and stepped down on 31 December 2010. 

Full details of attendance at Committee meetings can be found in the 
table on page 52. 

The Code requires the Board to be satisfied that at least one member of 
the Committee has recent and relevant financial experience. The Board 
considered this requirement during 2010, and concluded that the wide 
range of business and financial experience of the Committee members 
as a whole, gained at the highest level of UK FTSE 100 companies and 
other blue-chip organisations, was sufficient to enable the Committee to 
fulfil its terms of reference in a robust and independent manner. 
Biographical details of the members of the Committee including their 
qualifications are set out on pages 46 and 47. 

At the invitation of the Chairman of the Committee, the Chief Executive, 
Group Finance Director, Group Legal Director, Group Financial Controller, 
Head of Internal Audit (Deloitte), external auditors (KPMG) and 
representatives of senior management regularly attend Committee 
meetings. The Committee as a whole has the opportunity to 
meet privately with the internal and external auditors prior to 
meetings as required. 

Role 

The role of the Committee is to: 
–  monitor the integrity of the consolidated and parent company 

financial statements; 

–  review the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management 

systems; 

–  review the arrangements for employees to raise concerns, in 

confidence, about possible wrongdoing in financial reporting or 
other matters; 

–  monitor and review the effectiveness of the internal audit 

function; and 

–  consider and make recommendations to the Board in relation to the 
appointment, re-appointment, replacement and remuneration of the 
Company’s external auditor. 

 
 
 
 
 
54 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Audit Committee report continued 

Activities in 2010 

The Committee’s activities during the year included: 
–  reviewing the Group’s financial statements (including the format and 

layout of the detailed disclosures); 

–  reviewing the appropriateness of the Group’s accounting policies, 
reviewing key judgements and estimates and considering related 
accounting treatments in specific areas such as revenue recognition; 
assumptions underlying the quantification of pension scheme 
liabilities; impairment of goodwill and other assets and provisions for 
taxation and other liabilities; 

–  reviewing the analysis supporting the carrying value of goodwill; 
–  reviewing the Group’s cash flow forecasts and facilities to support the 
going concern statement in the annual report. The going concern 
statement is set out on page 75; 

–  reviewing and approving the annual external audit process, the 

external auditor’s strategy and plan for the audit, considering the 
findings of that work and confirming that all significant matters had 
been satisfactorily resolved; 

–  reviewing the management letter arising from the 2009 year-end 
external audit and monitoring implementation of recommended 
improvements; 

–  monitoring regularly the non-audit services being provided to the 
Group by its external auditor. Further information is given in the 
Auditors section; 

–  approving the internal audit plan, considering internal audit reports, 

the actions taken to implement the recommendations made in those 
reports and the status of progress against previously agreed actions; 
–  reviewing the internal audit relationship with Deloitte with agreement 

to continue on this basis for a further 12 months and reviewing 
procedures to ensure appropriate independence is maintained; 
–  reviewing the results of a fundamental review of the Group’s risk 

management processes;  

–  continuing to monitor the implementation of the integrated finance 

processes and system; 

–  reviewing the effectiveness of the whistleblowing process through 

which the employees may, in confidence, raise concerns; 
–  reviewing processes for the prevention of bribery and fraud; 
–  receiving reports from the Treasury department on their 

activities; and 

–  considering regulatory and professional developments in respect of 

financial accounting and reporting. 

Auditors  

Independence and objectivity 

The Committee regularly monitors the other services being provided to 
the Group by its external auditor, and has developed a formal policy to 
ensure this does not impair their independence or objectivity which is 
available in full on the Company’s website at www.itvplc.com 

The policy is based on the five key principles which underpin the 
provision of other services by the external auditor. These are that the 
auditor may not provide a service which: 
–  places them in a position to audit their own work; 
–  creates a mutuality of interest; 
–  results in the auditor developing close personal relationships with ITV 

employees; 

–  results in the auditor functioning as a manager or employee of ITV; or 
–  puts the auditor in the role of advocate for ITV. 

The Committee has pre-approved the categories of other services that 
may be performed by the external auditor and explicitly set out the 
categories of work that they may not perform. For this purpose auditing 
the accounts of subsidiaries and associates pursuant to legislation and 
other services that generally only the auditor can reasonably provide are 
regarded as audit services. 

The auditors are eligible for selection to provide non-audit services only to 
the extent that their skills and experience make them a competitive and 
most appropriate supplier of these services.  

The Committee believes that a 1:1 ratio for the annual split between 
audit and other fees charged by the external auditor is important. 
However, it is also of the view this should not act as a hard ceiling on non-
audit fees but as a guide that may be exceeded from time to time to 
ensure flexibility so that the Company receives the best and most 
appropriate advice. Non-audit services will be subject to market tenders 
or tests and will be awarded to the most appropriate provider. Approval 
is required from the Committee Chairman for any engagement of the 
external auditor where the fee is likely to be in excess of £0.1 million. 
A report on the level of non-audit work provided by the auditor is given 
to the Committee half-yearly. 

Details of the related audit and other services are set out in note 2.1 of 
the consolidated financial statements. The significant engagements are 
categorised as follows: 
–  tax restructuring work in relation to overseas subsidiaries; and 
–  reviewing indirect and payroll tax controls and processes. 

The senior audit partner and the independent reviewing partner serve no 
more than five years continuously in either role and other key partners 
serve no longer than seven consecutive years. The Committee monitors 
the tenure of partners and senior staff. 

Performance 

The Committee performs a specific evaluation of the performance of 
the external auditor annually, through assessment of the results of 
questionnaires completed by relevant senior management in addition 
to committee members’ own views of auditor performance. It is the 
Company’s policy to carry out periodic market testing either through 
benchmarking or a form of audit tender. 

Re-appointment 

During the year the Committee considered the tenure (KPMG Audit Plc 
has been ITV’s auditor since 2004), performance and audit fees of the 
external auditor, and the level of non-audit work undertaken, and 
recommended to the Board that a resolution for the re-appointment of 
KPMG Audit Plc for a further year as the Company’s auditor be proposed 
to shareholders at the AGM in May 2010. The resolution was passed and 
KPMG Audit Plc was re-appointed for a further year. 

55

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Internal control 
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s systems of internal 
control and for regularly reviewing the effectiveness of those systems. 
The Committee assists the Board in reviewing the Group’s systems of 
internal control. The primary responsibility for the operation of these 
systems is delegated to management. Such systems can only provide 
reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement 
or loss. Key control procedures are designed to manage rather than 
eliminate risk and can be summarised as follows: 
–  Strategy and financial reporting: the strategy is reviewed and 

approved by the Board. The Group performs a comprehensive annual 
strategy review and five-year financial planning exercise. The five-year 
plan feeds into the annual budget cycle. The executive directors 
review the detailed budgets, strategies and action plans and the 
Board approves the overall Group budget as part of its normal 
responsibilities. The results of operating units are reported monthly, 
with actual results compared to budget and forecasts and key trends 
and variances explained and analysed. 

–  Organisational structure and authorisation procedures: the 

Group has an established organisational structure with clearly stated 
lines of responsibility and reporting. Authorisation procedures, and 
approval limits in respect of matters such as purchase commitments, 
capital expenditure, investment and treasury transactions were 
reviewed during the year in line with new board structures shown 
on page 48. 

–  Risk assessment and management: management is responsible 
for identifying the risks facing the business and for establishing 
controls and procedures to monitor and mitigate those risks.  

The Board is responsible for establishing a robust risk management 
process and for regularly reviewing the identified risks. The 
Committee keeps the effectiveness of the process under regular 
review. Details on the Company’s key risks can be found on pages 
38 and 39. 

–  Control environment: financial controls, policies and procedures are 
considered as part of the Group’s ongoing risk assessment process. 
These controls are reviewed to ensure risks are identified and the 
processes and procedures are in accordance with and aligned to the 
strategy. The internal audit team provides objective assurance as 
to the effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal control 
and risk management, reporting to both the Management Board 
and the Committee. 

–  Reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of internal controls: 

controls are monitored by senior management, internal audit and the 
Committee. Directors of each business team are required annually to 
confirm compliance with internal control in their area. Remedial plans 
are put in place where controls are weak or there are opportunities for 
improvement. Serious control weaknesses (if any) are reported to the 
Board and actions taken as appropriate.  

The Committee is authorised by the Board to seek any information that 
it requires from any employee and to obtain, at the Company’s expense, 
independent legal or professional advice on any matter within its terms 
of reference and to call any employee to be questioned at a meeting 
of the Committee as and when required. The Committee members are 
subject to the programme of continuing professional development that 
applies to the full board. 

Approval 

The Audit Committee report was approved by the Board on 2 March 
2011 and signed on its behalf by John Ormerod. 

 
 
56 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Remuneration report 

In order to successfully achieve the transformation of ITV into a lean, 
creatively dynamic and fit-for-purpose organisation, it is crucial that 
executive directors and senior executives (together the Senior 
Executive Group) work together as an effective team focused on 
delivering medium-term shareholder value. As ITV operates in a 
talent based market, our creative renewal also depends on attracting 
and retaining the best people. 

The new incentive arrangements to support the Transformation Plan 
emphasise the delivery of strategic change, co-operative endeavour 
and three to five year outcomes aligned to shareholder value.  

All the changes are within the limits of ITV’s existing share plans. 

The Committee would encourage shareholders to note the following: 
–  a significant proportion of the Senior Executive Group’s 
remuneration is dependent on the achievement of 
stretching performance conditions that support the creation 
of shareholder value; 

–  the compulsory deferral period for part of the annual bonus 
has been significantly extended to three years and the 
Senior Executive Group is encouraged to make further long-term 
personal investment in ITV to create alignment with the 
shareholder experience; 

–  benefits awarded to the Senior Executive Group are delivered 

within the same framework as for all other ITV employees; and 
–  in relation to 2010 performance, the Committee believes that 
the level of bonus payments is a fair reflection of company 
performance during the year, and reflect the efforts made by 
the Senior Executive Group in completing the strategic review. 
It also reflects the progress made against phase one of the 
Transformation Plan, whilst maintaining expected operational 
progress across the core business, reducing ITV’s cost base and 
managing cash and working capital, all of which were achieved 
in 2010. 

The Committee reports regularly to the Board on its work.  

Andy Haste 
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 
2 March 2011 

Dear Shareholder,  

On the following pages we set out the Remuneration report for 2010. 
The report comprises five sections: 
–  Committee overview; 
–  Remuneration policy; 
–  Delivering remuneration policy; 
–  Non-executive directors; and 
–  Detailed audited disclosures.  

The new five-year strategy discussed earlier recognises that far 
reaching changes will be needed to deliver a path to sustainable 
growth in shareholder value over the medium-term.  

In order to ensure that ITV’s incentives framework is closely aligned 
to the priorities of the Transformation Plan and to address the failure 
of previous arrangements to drive change in the business, the 
Remuneration Committee (the Committee) undertook a full review 
of incentive arrangements during 2010. As the previous 
arrangements were too heavily weighted towards short-term results 
and have not proved to be well aligned to shareholder value, a new 
incentive structure has been developed in dialogue with major 
shareholders. 

 
 
 
 
57

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Activities in 2010 

The Committee’s activities during the year included: 
–  undertaking a fundamental review of the Company’s remuneration 

strategy, and developing and agreeing an amended incentive 
framework for the Senior Executive Group, which supports the 
transformation of ITV. The incentive framework that has been 
developed reduces short-term cash, while increasing long-term focus 
and alignment with the shareholder experience;  

–  ensuring that decisions taken in respect of the Senior Executive 

Group’s remuneration packages are sensitive to the activities being 
undertaken in the wider group, while also remaining appropriate in 
ITV’s commercial environment;  

–  agreeing performance targets in relation to the 2011 bonus; and 
–  agreeing remuneration packages for new appointments to the Senior 
Executive Group, which are aligned with the terms offered to all other 
ITV employees, and termination arrangements for those individuals 
within the Senior Executive Group whose employment ceased.  

Remuneration policy 
As a company that operates in the particularly competitive media 
market, ITV aims to balance the need to attract and retain the high 
quality talent essential to the Company’s success with the need to be 
cost effective and to reward exceptional performance. The Committee 
has designed a remuneration policy which balances these factors, while 
also taking into account prevailing best practice and investor 
expectations.  

In addition to the above, the remuneration policy for the Senior 
Executive Group is based on the following key principles:  
–  a significant proportion of remuneration should be tied to the 

achievement of specific stretching performance conditions which 
align remuneration with the creation of shareholder value and 
delivery of the Transformation Plan;  

–  focus on sustained long-term performance and alignment of 

executives with the shareholder experience. Performance is measured 
over clearly specified timescales, and encourages executives to take 
action in line with the Transformation Plan, using good business 
management principles and well planned considered risks; and 

–  individuals should be rewarded for success and steps should be taken, 

within contractual obligations, to prevent rewards for failure. 
Payments to directors on termination only reflect contractual 
obligations.  

When developing remuneration policy, the Committee obtains advice 
from the key advisers outlined in the Advisers section. When determining 
remuneration for the Senior Executive Group and all employees of ITV, 
the Committee also considers any relevant environmental, governance 
and social issues.

Committee overview 

Composition 

The Committee is comprised entirely of non-executive directors. The 
current members are: 
–  Andy Haste (Chairman) 
–  Mike Clasper (appointed 2 February 2010) 
–  Archie Norman (appointed 2 February 2010) 
–  John Ormerod (appointed 1 March 2010) 

Baroness Usha Prashar served as Chairman of the Committee during 
the year until she stepped down from the Board on 31 March 2010. 
Andy Haste became acting Chairman and was formally appointed 
Chairman on 30 November 2010. Full details of attendance at 
Committee meetings can be found in the table on page 52.  

Advisers 

The Committee obtains advice from various sources in order to ensure it 
makes informed decisions. The Committee’s main advisers are set out 
below, and certain executives and other external advisers are invited to 
attend as appropriate. No individual is involved in decisions relating to 
their own remuneration. 

Adviser 
Andy Doyle,  
Group HR Director 

Deloitte LLP* 

Area of advice 
Main internal adviser, provides updates on 
remuneration, employee relations and human 
resource issues affecting the Company. 
Independent advisers on remuneration policy and 
the external remuneration environment; provide 
performance testing for LTIPs. 

Hogan Lovells LLP  Legal matters. 
Towers Watson 

Salary benchmarking data. 

*During the year Deloitte also provided the Group with advice on tax and corporate finance, and 
acted on a consultancy basis to provide internal audit and systems support under separate 
engagement terms. 

Role 

The role of the Committee is primarily to: 
–  review the ongoing appropriateness and relevance of the Group 

remuneration policy;  

–  approve the remuneration policy and strategy for the Senior Executive 
Group including the executive directors and company secretary; 
–  approve the design of the Company’s annual bonus arrangements 
and long-term incentive plans, including the performance targets 
that apply for the Senior Executive Group; and  

–  determine individual award levels for the Senior Executive Group 

based on performance against annual bonus targets and long-term 
incentive performance conditions.  

The Committee also maintains an active dialogue with shareholder 
representatives.  

 
 
58 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Remuneration report continued 

Components of reward 

The reward package for the Senior Executive Group consists of a 
combination of fixed and variable elements intended to provide 
motivation and reward for short, medium and long-term performance 
and to retain key executives over the longer term. Each component is 
intended to fulfil a different function within the remuneration 
framework as set out in the table below.  

Components 
Fixed 
Base salary 

Pension 

Other benefits 
Variable 
Short-term 
incentives 

Long-term 
incentives 

Function 

To recognise the individual’s skills and experience and 
provide a market competitive base reward. 
To provide an opportunity for executives to build up 
income on retirement. 
To reflect market competitive practice. 

To incentivise and reward exceptional performance 
against financial and non-financial annual targets thus 
delivering value to shareholders and contributing to the 
transformation of ITV. 
To drive sustained long-term performance that 
supports the creation of shareholder value in 
alignment with shareholders’ interests. 

Details of how these components are delivered are set out in the 
Delivering remuneration policy section. By way of illustration, the 
balance between the fixed and variable elements of the total 
remuneration package (excluding pension) for executive directors is 
shown in the charts below. The charts illustrate the mix at both target 
and maximum performance levels and show the typical delivery of 
remuneration through cash and shares, over the short and longer term. 
Broadly, there is a 40:60 split between fixed and variable pay at target 
performance and a 23:77 split at maximum performance, showing the 
high proportion of performance-related pay that is ‘at risk’ in the total 
remuneration package.  

Salary

Cash bonus

Deferred share award

Long-term incentive
(core PSP)

Long-term incentive
(matching PSP)

5%

12%

29%

40%

21%

14%

23%

14%

14%

28%

Fixed vs variable
pay at target
performance

Fixed vs variable
pay at maximum
performance

Shareholder alignment 

The Committee continues to recognise the importance of executive 
directors aligning their interests with shareholders through the 
commitment of a significant amount of their own investment capital. 
Shareholding guidelines are in place, which encourage executive directors 
to build up and hold ITV plc shares within three to five years of 
appointment with a value equivalent to 200% of salary for Adam Crozier, 
and 150% of salary for Ian Griffiths. Shareholding guidelines are also in 
place for members of the Management Board. Details of the executive 
directors’ current personal shareholdings are shown on page 65.  

Delivering remuneration policy 

Base salary 

Market positioning of base salary is approached on an individual basis, 
and the Committee takes account of robust salary surveys and an 
individual’s skills before reaching its conclusions. The aim is for base salary 
to be set around market median, whilst recognising the need for an 
appropriate premium to attract and retain superior talent. 

Executive directors’ base salaries are reviewed on an annual basis, 
effective from 1 January, and the same annual review process is applied 
to the Senior Executive Group as to all other ITV employees. In 2010 
there was a pay freeze and no increase was made to Ian Griffiths’s salary. 

Following completion of the 2011 salary review, the Company agreed a 
salary increase of 3% for all ITV employees earning under £60,000, with 
any increase for those earning £60,000 and above being linked to their 
performance rating for 2010. The executive directors both received a 
salary increase of 3% in line with overall personal and company wide 
performance. The base salaries for the executive directors are set out 
in the emoluments table in the Detailed audited disclosures section. 

Pension Benefits 

ITV offers members of the Senior Executive Group a pension benefit in 
line with that offered to other ITV employees. The majority of the Senior 
Executive Group are either members of the ITV Defined Contribution 
Scheme or receive a cash payment equivalent to the employer 
contribution. The executive directors’ pension arrangements are set 
out on page 65. 

Incentives 

The Committee undertook a full review of incentive plans during 2010 to 
ensure that they effectively supported the aims of the Transformation 
Plan and to address the failure of previous arrangements to drive change 
in the business. As a result of this review, a new overall framework has 
been introduced based on the following principles: 
–  simple overall architecture; 
–  a break from what has gone before: fracturing the legacy culture and 

attracting and re-energising senior executives; 

–  shareholder aligned incentives: reduced reliance on short-term cash; 
increased long-term focus and alignment with the shareholder 
experience; 

–  application of strategic change metrics: linked to both strategy and 

financial performance; 

–  support a culture of accountability: valuing execution and delivery, 

with a clear commercial focus; and 

–  reward sustained performance over an extended period.  

Under the new incentive framework, annual bonus deferral periods have 
been extended to three years and executives would need to voluntarily 
defer part of their annual bonus into shares in order to maintain previous 
long-term incentive plan (LTIP) award levels. There is a clear expectation 
that, across the senior executive team, key individuals will demonstrate 
their commitment to the business by investing on a voluntary basis. 
Overall, award levels remain within the limits of existing share plans. 

Short-term incentives 

Annual incentives are provided for the Senior Executive Group through 
the ITV Annual Bonus Scheme (Bonus). The performance conditions 
that apply are set on an individual basis and are closely linked to the 
Company’s corporate, financial and strategic priorities. A bonus 
arrangement extends to all ITV employees, providing a comprehensive 
and fully integrated incentive framework which rewards all employees 
when ITV is successful. 

 
 
 
 
59

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

–  core PSP awards reduced to 90% of salary (from the previous 
maximum level of 150%). Adam Crozier would have previously 
received 150% and Ian Griffiths 125%. 

–  if an individual voluntarily defers one-third of their annual Bonus 
into shares, they will be awarded additional shares under the PSP 
(on a 1:1 basis subject to the performance conditions that apply 
to PSP awards). 

–  aggregate PSP awards will not exceed the current 150% limit. 
In order to ensure that executives are only rewarded if value is delivered 
to shareholders, awards will be subject to an initial EPS performance 
gateway. If this gateway is achieved, performance will then be assessed 
by reference to the following: 
–  50% on EPS. This represents the key financial metric of the 

business. The EPS growth targets that have been set are considered 
by the Committee to be appropriately demanding and in line with 
market practice. 

–  25% on SOV. This is aligned with the strategic priorities of the 

business. 

–  25% on non-net advertising revenue (NAR) growth and increased 
internal supply. These are key measures of success over the 
transformation period as the Company reduces its reliance on spot 
advertising revenues and generates greater shareholder value from 
its integrated production and broadcast businesses. 

SOV and non-NAR are both measures of performance that are important 
to our business as further explained in the Performance and financials 
section. 

Further details of the performance conditions are available on page 60. 
The intention is to make awards under this arrangement in 2011. 

The plans under which awards have been made to date, and are still 
outstanding, are: 
–  Performance Share Plan: this was the only long-term incentive used 
for awards made in 2009 and 2010. Awards were made on 26 March 
2010. This Plan will continue to be used under the new incentives 
framework. 

–  Turnaround Plan: no awards have been made under this plan 

since 2008.  

The table on page 60 outlines the key features and performance 
conditions of the above plans. The Company also operates an 
all employee Save As You Earn scheme. The executive directors’ 
participation in this scheme is set out in the Detailed audited 
disclosures section.  

In line with the Turnaround Plan, a corresponding long-term cash-based 
incentive also exists for the wider employee population, not including 
participants in the Turnaround Plan, known as the Turnaround Incentive 
Opportunity, which is dependent on the same performance conditions. 

Performance graph 

The graph below shows the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance 
of the Company against the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 index over the  
five-year period to 31 December 2010. Both indices have been shown 
as the Company has been a constituent of both over the previous 
five years. 

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–

ITV

FTSE 100

FTSE 250

200

150

100

50

0

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Source: Datastream

Under the new incentive framework the Bonus arrangements for the 
Senior Executive Group will be as follows: 
–  one-third of any Bonus paid in cash; 
–  one-third of any Bonus compulsorily deferred into shares for 
three years under the Deferred Share Award Plan (DSA); and 

–  one-third of any Bonus may be taken in cash or deferred into shares 

under the DSA for three years. 

This represents a significant increase on the previous deferral period for 
executive directors of 12 and 24 months after the end of the financial 
year to which the Bonus relates. 

As part of the changes to substantially increase the deferral 
requirements, and in conjunction with the change to the structure of the 
long-term incentives, the 2011 Bonus opportunity for Adam Crozier has 
been increased to 180% and for Ian Griffiths to 165% (both from 150%). 

2010 Bonus: Bonus opportunities for the Senior Executive Group in 2010 
were designed to focus on profit generation (EBITA before exceptional 
items) and the efficient management of cash (profit to cash conversion). 
Targets were set so that generally maximum payout could only be 
achieved for significant outperformance. In addition, the Committee 
determined that no 2010 Bonus award would be paid if profits were 
below a threshold level.  

ITV’s financial performance in 2010 has been strong, as outlined in the 
Performance and financials section. In light of performance during the 
year, the following payment levels against financial targets for executive 
directors have been approved: 

Target 

Achieved  

Bonus 
Payout 

Profit generation (EBITA before exceptional items)  
maximum payment for 120% of budget 

132%  

100%  

Cash management (profit to cash conversion) 
maximum payment for 90% conversion 

127% 

100%  

In addition, Adam Crozier and Ian Griffiths received payout levels of 90% 
and 75% respectively for performance against 2010 individual targets. 

The 2010 Bonus awards to the executive directors will be made in line 
with the new incentives framework set out above. 

2011 Bonus: The Committee has set 2011 performance targets to 
ensure they continue to drive and support both the Transformation Plan 
and delivery of key operational outcomes. The Committee ensures that 
the maximum bonus opportunity can only be achieved for significant 
outperformance of all corporate, financial and individual bonus 
outcomes, with on target performance achieving a 60% payout 
of maximum bonus opportunity. 

The majority of the bonus opportunity (60%) is based upon the 
achievement of corporate and financial targets. The remainder of the 
bonus opportunity (40%) is based upon the contribution that the 
executive makes toward the overall Transformation Plan through the 
delivery of specific targets. 

The corporate and financial targets are weighted to the area of the 
business for which the executive has primary responsibility. For Adam 
Crozier and Ian Griffiths the targets are set at a corporate level. Across 
the Senior Executive Group these targets include operating profit, profit 
to cash conversion, platform adjusted Share of Viewing (SOV), Online 
targets, revenue targets, content creation targets and delivery of agreed 
cost savings targets. 

The individual targets for members of the Senior Executive Group focus 
on their specific areas of responsibility and the way in which they 
contribute to delivery of the overall transformation.  

Long-term incentives 

As part of the new incentives framework to support the delivery of the 
Transformation Plan, the following changes have been made to the 
terms of the long-term incentive awards to be made to the Senior 
Executive Group under the Performance Share Plan (PSP):  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Remuneration report continued 

Summary of long-term incentive plans 

Existing arrangements 
Performance Share Plan  
(PSP) 
150% 

Award Level 
(plan maximum) 
Co-investment requirements  None 

Turnaround Plan  
(TP) 
550% 

    New arrangements from 2011 

Performance Share Plan  
(PSP) 
150% 

Requirement to: 
–  acquire a number of shares with a value of up to 100% 

of salary within a specified period from  
date of grant; and 

–  hold the shares for the duration of the relevant 

performance period. 

–  award levels will be significantly reduced unless a 
voluntary deferral is made of annual bonus into 
shares for a period of three years. 

–  awards for executive directors will not exceed 90% 
of salary unless they make this voluntary deferral. 

Performance period 

–  three years from the date of grant. 

–  25% of total award – 1 January 2007 to 31 December 

–  three years from the date of grant. 

2009. 

–  75% of total award – 1 January 2007 to 31 December 

2011. 

Performance conditions 

75% TSR 
–  measured equally against two distinct 

comparator groups drawn from the FTSE 250 
and a specific international industry peer group. 

50% TSR 
–  measured against a customised FTSE 100 comparator 
group excluding certain industry sectors that are less 
relevant as a benchmark of performance. 

Gateway EPS 
–  a Gateway condition of cumulative adjusted EPS of 

21 pence must be reached before any portion of the 
award vests. 

25% STRATEGIC – for awards made in 2009 
–  measured in equal proportions against two targets:

50% STRATEGIC 
–  measured in equal proportions against four targets: 

Strategic target 
SOCI (ITV Family) 
EPS Growth 

Threshold 
36.6% 
RPI +3% 

Maximum 
38.5% 
RPI +5% 

–  EPS base year 2008. 

Strategic target 
SOCI (ITV Family) 
Revenue growth 
EPS (adjusted) 
Share price 

Threshold 
36.6% 
2% p.a. 
8p 
£1.35 

Maximum 
38.5% 
5% p.a. 
12p 
£2.25 

25% STRATEGIC – for awards made in 2010 
–  measured in equal proportions against two targets:

–  share price will be measured as an average over any 
28-day period within the final three years of the TP. 

Strategic target 
Threshold 
Family SOV growth  No change (to 
2009 figures) 

Maximum 
2% 

EPS (cumulative 
adjusted) 

18p 

20p 

–  EPS cumulative years 2010 to 2012. 

TSR
FTSE 250
TSR
Industry Peer Group
Strategic:
EPS
Strategic:
SOCI for 2009
SOV for 2010

12.5%

12.5%

37.5%

37.5%

TSR

Strategic:
SOCI
Strategic:
Revenue
Strategic:
EPS
Strategic:
Share price

12.5%

12.5%

12.5%

12.5%

50%

75% TSR 
–  Median and below – nil 
–  Above median to upper quartile – vesting on 

a straight line basis 
–  Upper quartile – 100%. 

50% TSR  
–  Below median – nil 
–  Median – 25% 
–  Upper quartile – 100% 
–  Vesting on a straight line basis in between. 

25% STRATEGIC – for awards made in 2009 
–  Threshold performance – 25%  
–  Maximum performance – 100%  
–  Vesting on a straight line basis in between. 

50% STRATEGIC 
–  Threshold performance – 25%  
–  Maximum performance – 100%  
–  Vesting on a straight line basis in between. 

25% STRATEGIC – for awards made in 2010 
–  Threshold performance – EPS:30%, SOV:50% 
–  Maximum performance – 100% 
–  Vesting on a proportionate basis in between. 

50% EPS 

Strategic target 

EPS (cumulative 
adjusted)  

Threshold 
21p 

Maximum 
24p 

–  EPS cumulative years 2011 to 2013. 

50% OTHER STRATEGIC 
–  measured in equal proportions against two targets: 

Strategic target 
Family SOV growth 

Non-NAR growth and 
increased internal 
supply 

Threshold 

No change (to 
2010 figures) 

Maximum 
2% 

5% 

10% 

EPS

SOV

Non-NAR

25%

25%

50%

50% EPS  
–  Threshold performance – 30% 
–  Maximum performance – 100% 
–  Vesting on a straight line basis in between. 

50% STRATEGIC 
–  Threshold performance – SOV:50%, Non-NAR:30% 
–  Maximum performance – 100% 
–  Vesting on a proportionate basis (SOV) and a straight 

line basis (Non-NAR) in between. 

Vesting 

Exercise period 

–  Once vested awards can be exercised for  

–  Once vested awards can be exercised until  

12 months, any portion of the award that does 
not vest or is not exercised will lapse. 

31 December 2012, any portion of the award that 
does not vest or is not exercised will lapse. 

–  Once vested awards can be exercised for 12 months, 
any portion of the award that does not vest or is not 
exercised will lapse. 

Leavers 

Standard good leaver provisions apply (broadly relating to compassionate circumstances) and include pro-rating for service. If a participant ceases to be employed for any 
other reason, the award will lapse unless determined otherwise. 

Change of control 

Outstanding awards and options would normally vest and become exercisable on a change of control, subject to the satisfaction of any performance conditions. 
The proportion that vests may be capped depending on the time elapsed since grant. 

 
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
61

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Service contracts  

Executive directors have service contracts which provide for 12 months’ 
notice on either side. There are no special provisions that apply in the 
event of a change of control. 

Date of 
appointment 

Nature of 
contract 

Notice period 
from 
Company 

Notice period 
from director 

Ian Griffiths 
Adam Crozier 

9 September 
2008 

Rolling  12 months  12 months 

26 April 2010 

Rolling  12 months  12 months 

Compensation 
provisions for 
early 
termination 

None 

None 

Note: 
The Company retains the right to terminate employment by making payment in lieu of notice, 
in which case the executive would be entitled to receive 12 months’ salary and benefits (including 
pension contributions). 

Executive directors’ non-executive directorships 

With specific approval of the Board, executive directors may accept 
external appointments as non-executive directors of other companies 
and retain any related fees paid to them. 

During the year Adam Crozier retained fees for an external non-executive 
directorship as set out below: 

Company  
Debenhams plc 

2010 
£000 
36 

Payments to outgoing executive directors 

Michael Grade ceased to be a director on 31 December 2009. He received 
a payment of £167,000 in respect of his remaining contractual notice 
period to 30 April 2010, and £35,000 in respect of remaining contractual 
obligations. 

Both John Cresswell and Rupert Howell ceased to be directors during the 
financial year. When agreeing the terms of their departure the 
Committee ensured that any payments made reflected contractual 
obligations.  

John Cresswell ceased to be a director on 23 April 2010. The date of 
cessation of his employment was 30 June 2010, and he received a 
payment of £713,305 including a payment in lieu of notice equivalent 
to 12 months’ salary and the value of benefits (including 12 months’ 
pension entitlement).  

Rupert Howell ceased to be a director on 1 June 2010. The date of 
cessation of his employment was 31 July 2010, and he received a 
payment of £558,700, including a payment in lieu of notice equivalent 
to 12 months’ salary and the value benefits (including pension 
contributions). This payment was subject to mitigation for a period of 
four months following cessation of employment due to the role that 
Rupert held. 

All of their outstanding share awards have been treated in accordance 
with the relevant plan rules. As such the DSA awards released on 
cessation of employment. The awards oustanding under the PSP and TP 
were pro-rated for service and a proportion lapsed accordingly. The share 
options outstanding after pro-ration will remain subject to performance 
conditions at the normal vesting dates. 

Non-executive directors 
Each non-executive director has a contract of service with the Company, 
further details of which can be found in the Governance section. Fees 
paid to the non-executive directors are determined by the Board based 
on market information, and in accordance with the restrictions 
contained within the Company’s Articles of Association.  

Non-executive directors do not participate in decisions concerning their 
own fees. 

The fees are reviewed annually. The additional fee for membership of 
the Nomination Committee ceased from 1 January 2010. There has 
been no change in the level of fees paid since 2007, and it has been 
agreed that the basic annual fee will increase by £2,500 to £57,500 
with effect from 1 January 2011. The annual fees payable in 2010 
were as follows: 

Non-executive directors’ fees 
Board member 
Additional fees for: 
Senior Independent Director  
Audit Committee member 
Audit Committee Chairman 
Remuneration Committee member 
Remuneration Committee Chairman 

£000 
55 

25 
5 
20 
5 
15 

Note: 
Details of committee membership can be found in the Governance section. 

The non-executive directors are required to use 25% of their annual fees, 
after statutory deductions, to acquire shares in the Company. The shares 
are purchased quarterly and are held by a nominee on their behalf. The 
shares release when they retire from the Board. Details of their 
shareholdings can be found on page 65. 

The Chairman receives an annual fee of £300,000 and no further 
payment for membership of committees. He also received an award of 
400,000 shares for each year (total 1.2 million shares) of his initial three-
year appointment term. These will be released at the end of the initial 
term on 31 December 2012. He will not be required to apply a 
percentage of his cash fee to acquire shares, as the Committee considers 
him to be sufficiently aligned with shareholders’ interests following his 
purchase of 380,000 shares on appointment, together with the share 
element of his remuneration. 

Detailed audited disclosures 

The following tables provide details of each of the directors’ and former 
directors’ emoluments, pension entitlements, rights to share options 
and awards. All of these tables have been audited by KPMG Audit Plc. 

Aggregate directors’ remuneration  

The total amounts of directors’ remuneration for the period from 
1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 were as follows: 

Emoluments 
Gains on exercise of share options 

2010
£000   
3,645  
172  
3,817  

2009
£000 
5,309 
1,092 
6,401 

Notes: 
Gains on exercise of share options: 
(1)  Valued on date of release to participant. 
(2) 

(3) 

Includes the exercise of share options and the release of restricted shares under the DSA 
in order to make year-on-year comparisons more representative. 
Includes value of restricted shares awarded in March 2010. Participants entered into a 
section 431 election to pay income tax on the value of the awards on the date of grant, 
so the value of awards released on 31 December 2010 was net of income tax.  
(4)  Figure for 2010 is lower than 2009 as no awards were exercised by John Cresswell and 
Rupert Howell during the period from 1 January 2010 until the date they ceased to be 
directors of ITV plc.  

(5)  Further information is contained in the tables on pages 63 and 64. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Remuneration report continued 

Directors’ emoluments 

The directors’ emoluments for the year ended 31 December 2010 are set out in the table below.  

Emoluments 

Name of director 
Current directors 
Adam Crozier  
Ian Griffiths  
Mike Clasper 
Andy Haste  
Lucy Neville-Rolfe 
Archie Norman 
John Ormerod  
Directors who stepped  
down in the year 
John Cresswell  
Rupert Howell  
Baroness Usha Prashar 
Past directors’ emoluments 
(for comparative purposes) 
Total emoluments 

Status 

Notes   

Basic salary/
Fees
£000   

Benefits in 
kind(7)
£000   

Pension 
contributions(8)
£000   

Award/
Payment on 
appointment

£000   

Short-term 
incentives  
(cash)(9)
£000   

Total for the  
year ended  
31 December 
2010 
£000   

Total for the 
year ended 
31 December 
2009
£000 

Executive 
Executive 
Non-executive 
Non-executive 
Non-executive 
Non-executive 
Non-executive 

Executive 
Executive 
Non-executive 

1   

2   
3   

4   
5   
6   

532   
425   
90   
69   
18   
300   
79   

221   
187   
18   

–   
1,939   

13   
14   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   

7   
19   
–   

–   
53   

48   
64   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   

–   
28   
–   

334 
– 
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   

–   
–   
–   

252   
186   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   

433   
308   
–   

1,179   
689   
90   
69   
18   
300   
79   

661   
542   
18   

– 
712 
80 
65 
– 
– 
65 

958 
833 
75 

–   
140   

– 
334 

–   
1,179   

–   
3,645   

2,521 
5,309 

Notes: 
(1)  The figures shown for Adam Crozier reflect: 

– emoluments paid from the date of appointment on 26 April 2010; 
– pension contributions representing a cash payment in lieu of pension described further in the pension entitlements section of this report; and 
– a one-off cash payment of £200,000 made as a part of his joining package; the taxable value of £133,665, following the release of 198,636 ITV shares on 26 October 2010 as a part of the 
restricted share award made on 26 April 2010 as detailed on page 63. 

(2)  The figures shown for Lucy Neville-Rolfe reflect fees paid from the date of appointment on 3 September 2010. 
(3)  An award over 1.2 million shares was made on appointment as shown in the table on page 63. 
(4)  The figures shown for John Cresswell reflect: 

– emoluments received up until 23 April 2010 when he stepped down from the Board; 
– £133,484 for emoluments for the period from 24 April 2010 up until his cessation of employment on 30 June 2010; and 
– an allowance of £125,000 per annum paid prorata for the period of time he served as Interim Chief Executive, from 1 January 2010 until 23 April 2010. This payment is  
 included in the basic salary figure.  

(5)  The figures shown for Rupert Howell reflect: 

– emoluments and benefits in kind paid up until 1 June 2010 when he stepped down from the Board; and 
– £93,920 for emoluments for the period from 2 June 2010 up until his cessation of employment on 31 July 2010. 
(6)  The figures shown for Baroness Prashar reflect fees paid up until 31 March 2010 when she stepped down from the Board. 
(7)  This disclosure includes the cost of private medical insurance and car related benefits. 
(8)  Pension contributions represent payments made into Personal Pension Plans, or cash payments in lieu of pension, and are described further in the pension entitlements section. 
(9)  Short-term incentives: 

– current executive directors will receive a bonus for 2010 as detailed in the table below: 

Adam Crozier 

Ian Griffiths 

Percentage of maximum bonus opportunity earned 

95% (resulting value pro-rated for time employed) 

87.5% 

Value paid in cash 
(shown in the 
table above)
£ 

Value compulsorily 
deferred into shares 
under the DSA 
£ 

Value voluntarily 
deferred into shares 
under the DSA 
£ 

252,496 

185,938 

252,496 

185,938 

252,496 

185,938 

Total paid for 
2010 Bonus
£ 

757,488 

557,814 

– John Cresswell received a bonus for 2010 representing 82.5% of his bonus opportunity which has been pro-rated for time served.  
– Rupert Howell will receive a bonus for 2010 representing 78% of his bonus opportunity which has been pro-rated for time served.  

(10)  Non-executive directors’ fees include an element which is used to purchase shares as described on page 61. Details of their shareholdings are shown on page 65. 

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ interests in share options 

Information given in the table below is for the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010. 

63

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Current directors 

Award date 

Adam Crozier 
Restricted Share Award 

26 April 2010  
Nil-cost Option Award  
26 April 2010 
Ian Griffiths 
Deferred Share Award Plan  

24 April 2009 

26 March 2010 
26 March 2010 
Performance Share Plan 
1 June 2009 
26 March 2010 
Turnaround Plan 

2 October 2008 
Archie Norman 
Restricted Share Award  
17 March 2010  

1 

2A 

3 

4 
4 

At 1 January 
2010 

Awarded in 
year 

Notes 

Exercised/
Released in 
year 

Lapsed in 
year 

At
31 December 
2010 

Share price 
used for 
award 
(pence) 

Exercise price 
(pence) 

Date of 
exercise/
release  

Share price 
at date of 
exercise/ 
release 
(pence) 

Gain at  
date of 
exercise/ 
release  
(£) 

Vesting date/Exercise period 

– 

595,908 

198,636 

– 

397,272 

70.48 

–  4,115,044 

– 

–  4,115,044 

56.50 

48,841 

– 

48,841 

– 
– 

191,861 
191,862 

191,861 
– 

– 

– 
– 

A  1,188,812 
– 
A 

– 
933,820 

B  3,017,752 

– 

5 

–  1,200,000 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

31.00 

– 
191,862 

–  1,188,812 
933,820 
– 

59.89 
59.89 

35.75 
56.89 

–  3,017,752 

42.25 

–  1,200,000 

50.17 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

April 2011 and 
 October 2011 

 April 2013 – April 2014 

31 December 
2010 

31 December 
2010 
– 

71.4148 

34,880 

– 

71.4148 
– 

137,017 
– 

– 
December 2011 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
June 2012 – June 2013 
–  March 2013 – March 2014 

– 

– 

December 2011 – 
December 2012 

December 2012 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

Notes: 
(1)  One-off award made on joining ITV with a value of £420,000 to release in three tranches of 198,636 on 26 October 2010, 26 April 2011 and 26 October 2011. Whilst held under award the  

shares cannot be sold or transferred. The value of the shares released on 26 October 2010 is shown in the emoluments table on page 62. 

(2)  An award over nil-cost options subject to the same provisions and performance conditions attaching to the awards made under the PSP in March 2010. In accordance with the terms of this  

award, the number of shares subject to award was calculated using the market price on 27 January 2010, the date before Adam Crozier’s appointment was announced. 

(3)  Awarded in the form of nil-cost options.  
(4)  Awarded in the form of restricted shares. All participants entered into a section 431 election to pay income tax on the value of the awards on the date of grant. No further income tax  

Is payable on release. 

(5)  One-off award made on joining ITV. Initially the award was to be released as 400,000 shares annually over the initial three-year appointment term. On Mr Norman’s request, and with the 

approval of the Remuneration Committee, the terms of the award were altered during the year under a Deed of Variation, and all 1.2 million shares will now release on 31 December 2012. 
As announced on 18 November 2009, the number of shares awarded was calculated using the market price immediately before his appointment as Chairman was announced. Whilst held 
under award the shares cannot be sold or transferred. 

The comparator groups for each award are set out in the table below, and apply as marked in the notes column: 

A 

B 

The portion of the award subject to TSR will be measured equally against two distinct comparator groups, the constituents of the FTSE 250 index (excluding companies from the basic materials, 
financial services, oil and gas and industrials industries), and an industry sector specific group of 23 companies: British Sky Broadcasting Group, Scripps Networks, Canal Plus, Telecinco, CBS, Tf1 
(Tv.Fse.1), Daily Mail & General Trust, Time Warner, M6-Metropole TV, Trinity Mirror, Mediaset, Viacom Digital, Modern Times Group, Virgin Media, News Corporation, Vivendi, Pearson, WPP Group, 
Premier AG, Yell Group, Proseiben Sat 1 Pf., Zon Multimedia and RTL Group. 
British Airways, British Sky Broadcasting Group, BT Group, Capita Group, Carnival, Compass Group, Diageo, DSG International, Enterprise Inns, Home Retail Group, Intercontinental Hotels Group, 
Kingfisher, Marks & Spencer Group, Next, Pearson, Reed Elsevier, Thomson Reuters, SABMiller, Scottish & Newcastle, Vodafone Group, WPP and Yell Group. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Remuneration report continued 

Directors’ interests in share options 

Information given in the table below is for the period from 1 January 2010 until the date they stepped down from the Board. 

Directors who stepped down in the year 

At 1 January 
2010 

Awarded in 
year 

Notes 

Exercised/ 
Released in 
year 

Lapsed in 
year 

At date 
stepped 
down from
the Board(6)

Share price 
used for 
award 
(pence) 

Exercise price 
(pence) 

Date of 
exercise/
release  

Share price 
at date of 
exercise/ 
release 
(pence) 

Gain at  
date of 
exercise/ 
release  
(£) 

Award date 

John Cresswell 
Deferred Share Award Plan  
24 April 2009 
26 March 2010 
Performance Share Plan 
1 June 2009 
Turnaround Plan 

13 September 2007 
Save As You Earn scheme 

17 July 2009 
Commitment Scheme 
22 August 2003 
20 March 2006 
20 March 2006 
Executive Share Option 
Schemes 

22 December 2000 
6 July 2001 

28 September 2001 

9 January 2002 
10 July 2002 
7 January 2003 
Rupert Howell 
Deferred Share Award Plan 
24 April 2009 
26 March 2010 
Performance Share Plan 
1 June 2009 
26 March 2010 
Turnaround Plan 

1 
2 

264,315 
– 

– 
356,867 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

A  1,608,392 

B  2,136,825 

54,370 

3 
4, C 
4, C 

471,944 
259,179 
259,179 

959 
36,399 

113,851 

1,040 
19,240 
18,200 

5 
5 

5 

5 
5 
5 

1 
2 

206,855 
– 

– 
262,663 

A  1,101,399 
– 
A 

– 
791,001 

3 October 2007 

B  1,767,857 

– 

Notes: 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

264,315 
356,867 

31.00 
59.89 

–  1,608,392 

35.75 

–  2,136,825 

111.00 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

54,370 

35.75 

28.60 

471,944 
259,179 
259,179 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

959 
36,399 

113,851 

1,040 
19,240 
18,200 

206,855 
262,663 

–  1,101,399 
791,001 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

31.00 
59.89 

35.75 
56.89 

–  1,767,857 

105.00 

100.72 
– 
115.75 

217.78 
137.02 

91.35 

143.27 
106.25 
76.92 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

Vesting date/Exercise period 

June 2010 – June 2011 
June 2010 

June 2012 – June 2013 

December 2011 – 
December 2012 

June 2010 –
December 2010 

 – 
– 
 – 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

December 2003 – 
December 2010 
July 2004 – June 2011 
September 2004 – 
June 2011 
January 2005 –
June 2011 
– 
– 
July 2005 – June 2011 
–  January 2006 – June 2011 

– 
– 

July 2010 - July 2011 
July 2010 

June 2012 – June 2013 
– 
–  March 2013 – March 2014 

– 

December 2011 – 
December 2012 

(1)  Awarded in the form of nil-cost options.  
(2)  Awarded in the form of restricted shares. All participants entered into a section 431 election to pay income tax on the value of the awards on the date of grant. No further income tax   

Is payable on release. 

(3)  The performance condition applicable for the awards made under the Granada Commitment Scheme was TSR relative to Granada’s international media comparator group. 25% of awards vest  
at median; and 100% at upper decile. Up to 50% of these awards were capable of vesting after two years, with the remainder subject to performance over a four-year period. The options are  
shown in ITV plc shares and were adjusted following the merger of Granada with Carlton in 2004. The remaining balance of options were not exercised and have lapsed. 

(4)  The remaining 50% lapsed on 20 March 2010 as performance conditions were not met.  
(5)  Awards outstanding under the Granada Media and Granada Schemes. The options are shown in ITV plc shares and were adjusted following the merger of Granada with Carlton in 2004. 
(6) 

 All outstanding share awards held by John Cresswell and Rupert Howell have been treated in accordance with the relevant plan rules. As such the DSA awards released on cessation of 
employment. The awards oustanding under the PSP and TP were pro-rated for service and a proportion lapsed accordingly. The share options outstanding after pro-ration will remain subject 
to performance conditions at the normal vesting dates. 

The comparator groups for each award are set out in the table below, and apply as marked in the notes column: 

A 

B 

C 

The portion of the award subject to TSR will be measured equally against two distinct comparator groups, the constituents of the FTSE 250 index (excluding companies from the basic materials, 
financial services, oil and gas and industrials industries), and an industry sector specific group of 23 companies: British Sky Broadcasting Group, Scripps Networks, Canal Plus, Telecinco, CBS, Tf1 
(Tv.Fse.1), Daily Mail & General Trust, Time Warner, M6-Metropole TV, Trinity Mirror, Mediaset, Viacom Digital, Modern Times Group, Virgin Media, News Corporation, Vivendi, Pearson, WPP Group, 
Premier AG, Yell Group, Proseiben Sat 1 Pf., Zon Multimedia and RTL Group. 
British Airways, British Sky Broadcasting Group, BT Group, Capita Group, Carnival, Compass Group, Diageo, DSG International, Enterprise Inns, Home Retail Group, Intercontinental Hotels Group, 
Kingfisher, Marks & Spencer Group, Next, Pearson, Reed Elsevier, Thomson Reuters, SABMiller, Scottish & Newcastle, Vodafone Group, WPP and Yell Group. 
BAA, Alliance Boots, Brambles, British Airways, British Sky Broadcasting Group, BT Group, Cable & Wireless, Capita Group, Carnival, Compass Group, Daily Mail and General Trust, Diageo, DSG 
International, Enterprise Inns, Home Retail Group, InterContinental Hotels Group, Kingfisher, Ladbrokes, Marks & Spencer Group, Next, PartyGaming, Pearson, Reed Elsevier, Rentokil Initial, Thomson 
Reuters, Rexam, SABMiller, Scottish & Newcastle, Vodafone Group, Wolseley, WPP and Yell Group. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
65

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Pension entitlements 

Directors’ interests 

Adam Crozier, Ian Griffiths and Rupert Howell were not members of 
any Company pension scheme during the year. The Company made 
contributions to Personal Pension Plans belonging to Ian Griffiths and 
Rupert Howell with a value of 15% of their respective basic salaries. 
Adam Crozier received a cash payment of 9% of his basic salary in lieu of 
pension contributions. These payments are included in the emoluments 
table on page 62. 

No directors were members of money purchase schemes operated 
by the Group. 

No directors were members of defined contribution schemes operated 
by the Group. 

John Cresswell ceased to be a director on 23 April 2010, and remained 
an active member of the defined benefit pension scheme until he 
ceased employment with the Company on 30 June 2010. His accrued 
entitlements under the scheme are as follows: 

The figures set out below represent shareholdings in the ordinary share 
capital of ITV plc beneficially owned by directors and their family 
interests. Between the end of the financial year and 2 March 2011, 
there were no changes in directors’ interests in shares. 

Director 
Mike Clasper 
Adam Crozier 
Ian Griffiths 
Andy Haste 
Lucy Neville-Rolfe 
Archie Norman 
John Ormerod 

31 December 2010  
68,693 
97,126 
449,098 
49,261 
3,615 
380,000 
94,628 

31 December 2009 
(or date of 
appointment if later) 
46,784 
– 
233,358 
33,302 
– 
380,000 
75,372 

Name of director 
John Cresswell 

Accrued  
pension  
1 January  
2010  
£000 
119 

Increase 
in accrued 
pension in 
the year 
£000 
6 

Accrued 
pension 
31 December 
2010
£000 
125 

Share price information 

The market price of the ITV plc ordinary shares at 31 December 2010 
was 70.05 pence and the range during the year was 48.28 pence 
to 74.2 pence. 

Approval 

The Remuneration report was approved by the Board on 2 March 2011 
and signed on its behalf by Andy Haste. 

The following table sets out the transfer value of his accrued benefits 
under the scheme calculated in a manner consistent with the 
Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) Regulations 2008. 

The pension benefits of John Cresswell are provided on a defined benefit 
basis. The accrued pension shown is that which would be paid annually 
based on John Cresswell’s membership in the Scheme. The increase in 
accrued pension during the year reflects an increase in the pension 
entitlement as a result of an additional six months of service. 

Transfer 
 value  
1 January  
2010  
£000 
1,487 

Increase 
in transfer 
value in the 
year net of  
contributions(1) 
 £000  
298 

Contributions 
made by  
the director 
£000 
23 

Transfer value 
31 December 
2010 
£000 
1,808 

Name of director 
John Cresswell 

Notes: 
(1)  The transfer value at 31 December 2010 has been calculated in accordance with the 

transfer value John Cresswell would receive if he transferred his pension elsewhere. 
The Trustees of the ITV Pension Scheme updated the transfer value factors over 2010 to 
allow for increasing evidence that people are living longer than previously expected which 
has contributed to the increase in the transfer value to 31 December 2010. The increase in 
the transfer value also includes the effect of fluctuations due to factors beyond the control 
of the Company and directors, such as stock market movements.  

(2)  John Cresswell has a normal retirement age of 63.  
(3) 

In the event of the death of an executive director, a pension equal to one half of the 
director’s pension will become payable to a surviving spouse. A pension may become 
payable to any surviving dependent children. 
In common with other members of the defined benefit pension scheme, the executive 
director may, with the consent of the Company, receive and draw a pension at any time 
after reaching the age of 55. 

(4) 

The following additional information is given to comply with the 
requirements of the Listing Rules which differ in some respects from the 
equivalent statutory requirements. 

Name of director 
John Cresswell 

Increase in 
accrued pension 
in the year
in excess of 
inflation 
£000 
– 

Transfer value of 
increase in the 
year less 
director’s 
contributions 
£000 
(22)

The transfer values disclosed above do not represent a sum paid or 
payable to John Cresswell. Instead they represent a potential liability 
of the pension scheme. 

 
 
 
66 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Other governance and statutory disclosures 

Substantial shareholdings 

Creditor payment policy 

As at 2 March 2011 the Company had received notifications from 
the following companies and institutions of the voting interests of 
themselves and their clients in 3% or more of the issued ordinary share 
capital (carrying rights to vote in all circumstances) of the Company 
(numbers of shares and percentage interests are as at the 
notification dates). 

AXA S.A. 
Blackrock, Inc. 
Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. 
Sky Holdings Ltd(1) 
Legal and General Investment 
Management Ltd 

Notes: 
(1)  Subsidiary of British Sky Broadcasting Group plc. 
(2)  A profile of shareholdings is set out on page 115. 

Shares 
170,580,317 
429,509,856 
275,411,157 
291,684,730 

% 
4.39 
11.04 
7.08 
7.50 

153,692,144 

3.95 

The Company’s policy, in relation to all its suppliers, is to settle the 
terms of payment when agreeing the terms of the transaction, ensure 
awareness of the terms and to abide by those terms provided that 
it is satisfied that the supplier has provided the goods or services in 
accordance with the agreed terms and conditions. The Company does 
not follow any code or standard payment practice. The number of days’ 
purchases outstanding for payment by the Company as at 31 December 
2010 was nil days (2009: nil). 

Pension Scheme indemnities 

Qualifying pension scheme indemnity provisions, as defined in section 
235 of the Companies Act 2006, were in force for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2010 and remain in force for the benefit of each 
of the directors of ITV Pension Scheme Limited, an associated company 
of ITV plc. These indemnity provisions cover, to the extent permitted 
by law, certain losses or liabilities incurred as a director or officer of ITV 
Pension Scheme Limited. 

Share capital 

Audit 

Issued: At the date of this report there were 3,889,129,751 ordinary 
shares of 10 pence each in issue, all of which are fully paid up and quoted 
on the London Stock Exchange. Further details of the movements in the 
authorised and issued share capital of the Company during the year are 
set out on page 113. 

Rights: The rights attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares, as well 
as the powers of the Company’s directors, are set out in the Company’s 
Articles of Association, copies of which can be obtained from the 
Company’s website at www.itvplc.com or by writing to the 
Company Secretary. 

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares 
in the capital of the Company other than those which may be imposed 
by law from time to time. In accordance with the Disclosure and 
Transparency rules, certain employees are required to seek approval 
to deal in ITV shares. The Company is not aware of any agreements 
between shareholders that may result in restrictions on the transfers of 
securities and/or voting rights. No person holds securities in the Company 
carrying special rights with regard to control of the Company. Unless 
expressly specified to the contrary, the Company’s Articles of Association 
may be amended by special resolution of the shareholders. 

Purchase of own shares: The directors have the authority to purchase 
up to 388.9 million of the Company’s ordinary shares. The authority 
remains valid until the 2011 Annual General Meeting, or 6 August 2011 
if earlier. 

Trusts: The Company has a discretionary trust funded by loans to 
acquire shares for the potential benefit of employees of the Group. 
Details of shares held by the trust at 31 December 2010 are set out in 
note 4.7.6. During the year shares have been released from the trust in 
respect of share schemes for employees. The trust waives the right to 
dividends payable on those shares held by the trust that are not subject 
to any share plan operated by the Company where participants are 
the beneficial but not registered owners of shares. 

Change of control 

All of the Company’s share schemes contain provisions relating to a 
change of control. Outstanding awards and options would normally 
vest and become exercisable on a change of control, subject to the 
satisfaction of any performance conditions. Certain of the Group’s 
bonds/borrowing facilities have change of control clauses whereby the 
issuer can require ITV to repay/redeem bonds in the event of a change of 
control. The Company is not aware of any other significant agreements 
to which it is party that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change 
of control of the Company. 

The directors who held office at the date of approval of the Directors’ 
report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and each 
director has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a director in 
order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and 
to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information. 
As recommended by the Audit Committee, a resolution for the 
re-appointment of KPMG Audit Plc as auditor to the Company will be 
proposed at the 2011 Annual General Meeting. 

Annual General Meeting 

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 
at 11.00 am at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad 
Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE. The Notice of the Annual 
General Meeting contains an explanation of special business to be 
considered at the meeting. A copy of the Notice will be available 
on the Company’s website at www.itvplc.com. 

By order of the Board 

Andrew Garard 
Company Secretary 
2 March 2011 

ITV plc 
The London Television Centre 
Upper Ground 
London SE1 9LT 
Registered number 4967001 

Documents for corporate governance 
The following documents are available on the Company’s website 
at www.itvplc.com: 
–  Terms of engagement for non-executive directors; 
–  Schedule of matters reserved to the Board; 
–  Terms of reference for the Audit, Disclosure, General Purpose, 

Nomination and Remuneration Committees; 

–  Auditor’s Independence Policy; 
–  Guidelines for seeking independent advice; 
–  Directors’ indemnity; and 
–  Terms of reference for remuneration consultants. 

 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect  
of the annual report and financial statements 

67

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the 
Group and parent company financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and parent 
company financial statements for each financial year. Under that  
law they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable law and  
have elected to prepare the parent company financial statements in 
accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
of the state of affairs of the Group and parent company and of their 
profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and parent 
company financial statements, the directors are required to: 
–  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 
–  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 
–  for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; 
–  for the parent company financial statements, state whether 

applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the parent 
company financial statements; and 

–  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it 
is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the parent company 
will continue in business. 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain the parent company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the parent company and enable them to ensure 
that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 
They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably 
open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and 
detect fraud and other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible 
for preparing a Directors’ report, Remuneration report and Corporate 
Governance Statement that comply with that law and those regulations. 

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the 
corporate and financial information included on the Company’s website. 
Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of 
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

Each of the directors, the names of whom are set out on pages 46 and 
47, confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge: 
–  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable 
set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets 
and liabilities, financial position and the profit or loss of the Company 
and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; 
and  

–  the Directors’ report includes a review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the issue and 
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
that they face. 

By order of the Board 

Andrew Garard 
Company Secretary 
2 March 2011

 
 
68 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of ITV plc  

We have audited the Consolidated and Company financial statements  
of ITV plc for the year ended 31 December 2010 set out on pages 70 to 
114. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the  
EU. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable 
law and UK Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice). 

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of part 16 of the Companies Act 2006.  
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them  
in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone 
other than the Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for 
our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors 

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set 
out on page 67, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and  
fair view. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing 
(UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing 
Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided 
on the APB’s website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm 

Opinion on financial statements 

In our opinion: 
–  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the 

Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2010, 
and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended; 

–  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; 

–  the parent company financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice; 

–  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 

In our opinion: 
–  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has 

been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; 
and 

–  the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year 
for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with  
the financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following: 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,  
in our opinion: 
–  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 

company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or 

–  the parent company financial statements and the part of the 

Remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns; or 

–  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are  

not made; or 

–  we have not received all the information and explanations we require 

for our audit. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 
–  the Directors’ statement, set out on page 75, in relation to going 

concern;  

–  the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the 
Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the June 2008 
Combined Code specified for our review; and 

–  certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board 

on directors’ remuneration. 

Richard Bawden (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 

15 Canada Square 
London E14 5GL 
2 March 2011 

 
 
Introduction and table of contents 

69

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

In preparing these financial statements we have changed the format and layout following the 
principles outlined in the Financial Reporting Council’s publication ‘Louder than words’. We have 
made these changes to make ITV’s financial statements less complex and more relevant to 
shareholders. We have grouped notes under three key headings; ‘Results for the year’, ‘Operating 
assets and liabilities’ and ‘Capital structure and financing costs’. Each section sets out the accounting 
policies applied in producing these notes together with any key judgements and estimates used. 
The purpose of these changes is to provide readers with a clearer understanding of what drives 
financial performance of the Group. Text in speech bubbles provides commentary on each section 
in plain English.

Notes to the financial statements provide additional information required by statute, accounting standards or Listing 
Rules to explain a particular feature of the financial statements. The notes which follow will also provide explanations 
and additional disclosure to assist readers’ understanding and interpretation of the annual report and the financial 
statements.

Contents 

Profit before tax 

Intangible assets 

Primary statements 
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
Consolidated statement of cash flows 
Section 1 – Basis of preparation
Section 2 – Results for the year
2.1 
2.2   Exceptional items 
2.3   Taxation 
2.4   Earnings per share 
Section 3 – Operating assets and liabilities
3.1   Working capital 
3.2   Property, plant and equipment 
3.3  
3.4   Assets held for sale, acquisitions and disposals 
3.5   Provisions 
3.6   Pensions 
Section 4 – Capital structure and financing costs
4.1   Net debt 
4.2   Borrowings and held to maturity investments 
4.3   Derivative financial instruments 
4.4   Net financing costs 
4.5   Financial risk factors 
4.6   Fair value hierarchy 
4.7   Equity 
Section 5 – Other notes 
5.1   Related party transactions 
5.2   Contingent liabilities 
5.3   Subsequent events 
ITV plc Company financial statements

Page

70
71
72
73
74
75
77
77
79
80
82
83
83
85
87
91
92
93
97
97
99
101
102
103
105
106
109
109
110
110
111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Consolidated income statement 

  For the year ended 31 December: 
 Revenue 
 Operating costs 
 Operating profit 

 Presented as: 
 Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation (EBITA) before exceptional items 
 Operating exceptional items  
 Amortisation of intangible assets 
 Operating profit 

 Financing income 
 Financing costs 
 Net financing costs 
 Share of profits or (losses) of joint ventures and associated undertakings 
 Loss on sale and impairment of non-current assets (exceptional items) 
 Gain/(loss) on sale and impairment of subsidiaries and investments (exceptional items) 
 Profit before tax 
 Taxation 
 Profit for the year 

 Profit attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company 
 Non-controlling interests 
 Profit for the year 

 Earnings per share 
 Basic earnings per share 
 Diluted earnings per share 

Note 
2.1 

2.1 
2.2 
3.3 

4.4 
4.4 
4.4 
2.1 
2.2 
2.2 

2.3 

2010
£m 
2,064 
(1,700)
364 

2009

£m   
1,879  
(1,683)
196 

408 
19 
(63)
364 

185 
(260)
(75)
(3)
(4)
4 
286 
(16)
270 

269 
1 
270 

202  
53 
(59)
196 

201  
(292)
(91)
(7)
(22)
(51) 
25 
69  
94 

91 
3  
94 

2.4 
2.4 

6.9p 
6.6p 

2.3p  
2.3p  

Operating exceptional items during the year mainly comprise reorganisation and restructuring costs, onerous property provisions and gains arising 
from pension scheme changes (see note 2.2 for details). 

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

For the year ended 31 December: 
Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income: 
Foreign currency translation differences 
Revaluation of available for sale financial assets 
Amounts recycled to the income statement in respect of cash flow hedges 
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes 
Income tax (charge)/credit on other comprehensive income 
Other comprehensive income/(cost) for the year, net of income tax 
Total comprehensive income/(cost) for the year 

Total comprehensive income/(cost) attributable to: 
Owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 
Total comprehensive income/(cost) for the year 

71

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

2010 
£m 
270 

3 
(3)
– 
67 
(22)
45 
315 

314 
1 
315 

2009
£m 
94 

(4)
2 
(9)
(391)
101 
(301)
(207)

(210)
3 
(207)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

  As at 31 December 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment 
 Intangible assets 
 Investments in joint ventures and associated undertakings 
 Available for sale financial assets 
 Held to maturity investments 
 Derivative financial instruments 
 Distribution rights 
 Net deferred tax asset 

 Current assets 
 Programme rights and other inventory 
 Trade and other receivables due within one year 
 Trade receivables due after more than one year 
 Trade and other receivables 
 Derivative financial instruments 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
 Assets held for sale 

 Current liabilities  
 Borrowings 
 Derivative financial instruments 
 Trade and other payables due within one year 
 Trade payables due after more than one year 
 Trade and other payables 
 Current tax liabilities 
 Provisions 
 Liabilities held for sale 

 Net current assets 

 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings 
 Derivative financial instruments 
 Defined benefit pension deficit 
 Other payables 
 Provisions 

 Net assets 

 Attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company 
 Share capital 
 Share premium 
 Merger and other reserves 
 Translation reserve 
 Available for sale reserve 
 Retained losses 
 Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company 
 Non-controlling interests 
 Total equity 

Ian Griffiths 
Group Finance Director 

Note 

3.2 
3.3 

4.1 
4.3 
3.1.1 
2.3 

3.1.2 
3.1.4 
3.1.4 

4.3 
4.1 
3.4 

4.2 
4.3 
3.1.5 
3.1.6 

3.5 
3.4 

4.2 
4.3 
3.6 

3.5 

4.7.1 
4.7.1 
4.7.2 

2010
£m 

2009

£m   

151 
969 
2 
3 
148 
89 
12 
73 
1,447 

284 
442 
6 
448 
69 
860 
3 
1,664 

(55)
(3)
(672)
(26)
(698)
(65)
(34)
– 
(855)

161  
1,030  
5  
1  
149  
151  
16  
50  
1,563  

388  
432  
7  
439  
5  
582  
78  
1,492  

(9) 
(4) 
(646) 
(31) 
(677) 
(31) 
(47) 
(3) 
(771) 

809 

721  

(1,223)
(39)
(313)
(3)
(15)
(1,593)

(1,431) 
(30) 
(436) 
(12) 
(29) 
(1,938) 

663 

346  

389 
120 
304 
14 
5 
(171)
661 
2 
663 

389  
120  
308  
11  
8  
(491) 
345  
1  
346  

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

73
Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Balance at 1 January 2010 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Profit 
Other comprehensive income/(cost) 
Revaluation of available for sale financial assets 
Foreign currency translation differences 
Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes 
Income tax on other comprehensive income 
Total other comprehensive income/(cost) 
Total comprehensive income/(cost) for the year 
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity 
Contributions by and distributions to owners 
Equity portion of the convertible bond 
Movements due to share-based compensation 
Purchase of own shares via employees’ benefit trust 
Total contributions by and distributions to owners 
Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries that do not 
result in a loss of control 
Total changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries 
Total transactions with owners 
Balance at 31 December 2010 

Balance at 1 January 2009 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Profit 
Other comprehensive income/(cost) 
Revaluation of available for sale financial assets 
Foreign currency translation differences 
Amounts recycled to the income statement in respect 
of cash flow hedges 
Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes 
Income tax on other comprehensive income 
Total other comprehensive income/(cost) 
Total comprehensive income/(cost) for the year 
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity 
Contributions by and distributions to owners 
Equity dividends 
Equity portion of the convertible bond 
Movements due to share-based compensation 
Purchase of own shares via employees’ benefit trust 
Total contributions by and distributions to owners 
Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries that do not 
result in a loss of control 
Non-controlling interest acquired 
Total changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries 
Total transactions with owners 
Balance at 31 December 2009 

Attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company 

Note 

Share 
capital
£m 
389 

Share
premium 
£m 
120 

Merger and
other 
reserves
£m 
308 

Translation 
reserve 
£m 
11 

Available for  
sale reserve 
£m 
8 

Retained  
losses 
£m 
(491) 

Non-
controlling
interests
£m 
1 

Total 
£m 
345 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(4)
– 
– 
(4)

– 

– 
3 
– 
– 
3 
3 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
389 

– 
– 
120 

– 
(4)
304 

– 
– 
14 

– 

269 

269 

(3) 
– 
– 
– 
(3) 
(3) 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
5 

– 
– 
67 
(22) 
45 
314 

4 
8 
(6) 
6 

(3)
3 
67 
(22)
45 
314 

– 
8 
(6)
2 

– 
6 
(171) 

– 
2 
661 

1 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
2 

Attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company 

Share 
capital
£m 
389 

Share
premium 
£m 
120 

Merger and
other 
reserves
£m 
273 

Translation 
reserve 
£m 
24 

Available for  
sale reserve 
£m 
6 

Retained  
losses 
£m 
(286) 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
389 

– 
– 
– 
120 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
35 
– 
– 
35 

– 
– 
35 
308 

– 

– 
(4)

(9)
– 
– 
(13)
(13)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
11 

– 

2 
– 

– 
– 
– 
2 
2 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
8 

91 

– 
– 

– 
(391) 
101 
(290) 
(199) 

– 
1 
11 
(3) 
9 

(15) 
(15) 
(6) 
(491) 

Non-
controlling
interests
£m 
8 

3 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
3 

(2)
– 
– 
– 
(2)

(8)
(8)
(10)
1 

Total 
£m 
526 

91 

2 
(4)

(9)
(391)
101 
(301)
(210)

– 
36 
11 
(3)
44 

(15)
(15)
29 
345 

3.6 
2.3 

4.1 
4.7.7 
4.7.7 

4.7 

Note 

3.6 
2.3 

4.1 
4.7 
4.7 

4.7 

Total 
equity
£m 
346 

270 

(3)
3 
67 
(22)
45 
315 

– 
8 
(6)
2 

– 
2 
663 

Total 
equity
£m 
534 

94 

2 
(4)

(9)
(391)
101 
(301)
(207)

(2)
36 
11 
(3)
42 

(23)
(23)
19 
346 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

  For the year ended 31 December: 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit before tax 
 (Gain)/loss on sale and impairment of subsidiaries and investments (exceptional items) 
 Loss on sale and impairment of non-current assets (exceptional items) 
 Share of (profits) or losses of joint ventures and associated undertakings 
 Net financing costs 
 Operating exceptional items 
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
 Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets 
 Share-based compensation 
 Decrease in programme rights and other inventory, and distribution rights 
 (Increase)/decrease in receivables 
 Decrease in payables 
 Movement in working capital 
 Cash generated from operations before exceptional items 
 Cash flow relating to operating exceptional items: 
   Net operating income 

Increase in payables and provisions and the impact of the exceptional pension gain 

 Cash outflow from exceptional items 
 Cash generated from operations 
 Defined benefit pension deficit funding 
 Interest received 
 Interest paid on bank and other loans 
 Interest paid on finance leases 
 Net taxation (paid)/received 

 Net cash inflow from operating activities 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired  
and debt repaid on acquisition 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
 Acquisition of intangible assets 
 Loans granted to associates and joint ventures 
 Loans repaid by associates and joint ventures 
 Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures and available for sale investments 
 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Bank and other loans – amounts repaid 
 Bank and other loans – amounts raised 
 Capital element of finance lease payments 
 Acquisition of non-controlling interests 
 Dividends paid to non-controlling interest 
 Purchase of own shares via employees’ benefit trust 
 Purchase of held to maturity investments 
 Equity dividends paid 
 Net cash outflow from financing activities 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 
 Effects of exchange rate changes and fair value movements  
 Less: cash related to disposal group  
 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

Note 

£m   

2010 
£m 

2009

£m   

£m 

25 
51 
22 
7 
91 
(53)
38 
59 
11 
125 
11 
(15)
121 

545 

372  

(63) 
309  

(66) 
243  

(26) 
519 

(117) 
402 

53 
(116)

(31)
44 
(116)
(4)
41 

(50)
4 
(14)
(13)
(6)
4 
4 

51 

(71) 

(508)
516 
(7)
(23)
(2)
(3)
(150)
(25)

(168) 
285 
582 
(7) 
– 
860 

(202) 
(30) 
616  
–  
(4) 
582  

286  
(4)  
4  
3  
75  
(19)  
30  
63  
8  
108  
(8)  
(1)  
99  

19  
(45)  

(30)  
40  
(100)  
(4)  
(23)  

–  
7  
(26)  
(2)  
(6)  
9  
69  

(155)  
–  
(7)  
–  
–  
(6)  
–  
–  

2.2 
2.2 

4.4 
2.2 
3.2 
3.3 
4.7 

3.1 

2.2 

4.1 

4.1 

4.1 

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
Section 1 Basis of preparation 

75

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

This section lays out the Group’s accounting policies that relate to the financial 
statements as a whole. Where an accounting policy is specific to one note, the policy 
is described in the note to which it relates. This section also shows new EU endorsed 
accounting standards, amendments and interpretations, whether these are effective 
in 2010 or later years. In both cases we explain how they are expected to impact the 
performance of the Group.

The financial statements consolidate those of ITV plc, (‘the Company’) 
and its subsidiaries (together referred to as ‘the Group’) and include 
the Group’s interests in associates and jointly controlled entities. 
The Company is domiciled in the United Kingdom. 

As required by EU law (IAS Regulation EC 1606/2002) the Group’s 
accounts have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘IFRS’), and approved by 
the directors.  

The financial statements are principally prepared on the basis of 
historical cost. Areas where other bases are applied are identified in 
the relevant accounting policy.  

The Company has elected to prepare its parent company financial 
statements in accordance with UK GAAP. 

Going concern 

As a result of the funding activities undertaken, improvements in 
working capital, disposals and the upturn in television advertising, the 
Group has in 2010 reduced its current level of net debt and has also 
improved both its short-term and medium-term liquidity position.  

The Group continues to review forecasts of the television advertising 
market to determine the impact on ITV’s liquidity position and will 
continue to evaluate opportunities to push out maturity and create 
further cash headroom. The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking 
account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, 
show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its 
current funding.  

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Group continues to adopt the 
going concern basis in preparing its consolidated financial statements. 

Subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and special purpose entities 

Subsidiaries are entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by the 
Group. Control exists where the Group has the power to govern the 
financial and operating policies of the entity in order to obtain benefits 
from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that are 
currently exercisable or convertible are taken into account.  

A joint venture is an entity in which the Group holds an interest under 
a contractual arrangement where the Group and one or more other 
parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control. 
The Group accounts for its interests in joint ventures using the equity 
method. Under the equity method the investment in the entity is 
stated as one line item at cost plus the investor’s share of retained  
post-acquisition profits and other changes in net assets. 

An associate is an entity, other than a subsidiary or joint venture, 
over which the Group has significant influence. Significant influence 
is the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions 
of an entity but is not in control or joint control over those policies. 
These investments are also accounted for using the equity method. 

The Group establishes special purpose entities (SPEs) for trading and 
investment purposes. An SPE is consolidated if, based on an evaluation 
of the substance of its relationships with the Group and the SPE’s risks 
and rewards, it is concluded that the Group controls the SPE. Those SPEs 
controlled by the Group are established under terms that impose strict 

limitations on the decision-making powers of their management and 
that result in the Group receiving the majority of the benefits related 
to the SPEs’ operations and net assets, being exposed to the majority 
of risks incidental to their activities and receiving the majority of the 
residual or ownership risks related to the SPEs or their assets.  

Current/non-current distinction 

Current assets include assets held primarily for trading purposes, cash 
and cash equivalents, and assets expected to be realised in, or intended 
for sale or use in, the course of the Group’s operating cycle. All other 
assets are classified as non-current assets. 

Current liabilities include liabilities held primarily for trading purposes, 
liabilities expected to be settled in the course of the Group’s operating 
cycle and those liabilities due within one year from the reporting date. 
All other liabilities are classified as non-current liabilities. 

Classification of financial instruments 

The financial assets and liabilities of the Group are classified into the 
following financial statement captions in the statement of financial 
position in accordance with IAS 39: financial instruments: 
–  ‘Loans and receivables’ – separately disclosed as cash and cash 

equivalents (excluding gilts over which unfunded pension promises 
have a charge) and trade and other receivables; 

–  ‘Available for sale financial assets’ – measured at fair value through 
other comprehensive income. Includes gilts over which unfunded 
pension commitments have a charge and equity securities that do 
not meet the definition of subsidiaries, joint ventures or associates;  

–  ‘Held to maturity investments’;  
–  ‘Financial assets/liabilities at fair value through profit or loss’ – 
separately disclosed as derivative financial instruments-
assets/liabilities; and 

–  ‘Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost’ – separately disclosed 

as borrowings and trade and other payables. 

Details on the accounting policies for measurement of the above 
instruments are set out in the relevant note.  

Recognition and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities 

The Group recognises a financial asset or liability when it becomes a 
party to the contract. Financial instruments are no longer recognised in 
the statement of financial position when the contractual cash flows 
expire or when the Group no longer retains control of substantially all the 
risks and rewards under the instrument. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits with 
maturity of less than or equal to three months from the date of 
acquisition, cash held to meet certain finance lease commitments 
and gilts over which unfunded pension promises have a charge. 
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is considered to 
approximate fair value. 

 
 
 
76 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 1 Basis of preparation continued 

Foreign currencies 

Accounting estimates and judgements 

The primary economic environment in which the Group operates is the 
UK. The consolidated financial statements are therefore presented in 
pounds sterling (‘£’).  

Where Group companies based in the UK transact in foreign currencies, 
these transactions are translated into pounds sterling at the exchange 
rate on that day. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are 
translated into pounds sterling at the year-end exchange rate. Where 
there is a movement in the exchange rate between the date of the 
transaction and the year-end, a foreign exchange gain or loss may arise. 
Any such differences are recognised in the income statement. Non-
monetary assets and liabilities measured at historical cost are translated 
into pounds sterling at the exchange rate on the date of the transaction. 

The assets and liabilities of Group companies outside of the UK 
are translated into pounds sterling at the year-end exchange rate. 
The revenues and expenses of these companies are translated into 
pounds sterling at the average monthly exchange rate during the year. 
Where differences arise between these rates, they are recognised in 
the translation reserve within equity and other comprehensive income. 

Exchange differences arising on the translation of the Group’s interests 
in joint ventures and associates are recognised in the translation reserve 
within equity and other comprehensive income. 

In respect of all Group companies outside of the UK only those 
translation differences arising since 1 January 2004, the date of 
transition to IFRS, are presented as a separate component of equity. 
On disposal of an interest in a joint venture or an associate, the related 
translation reserve is released to the income statement as part of the 
gain or loss on disposal. 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to 
exercise judgement in applying the Group’s accounting policies. It also 
requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may 
differ from these estimates. 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis, 
with revisions recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised 
and in any future periods affected. 

The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity are set 
out below and in more detail in the related notes: 
–  Revenue recognition (note 2.1) 
–  Classification of financial instruments (included in this note) 
–  Consolidation of SPEs (included in this note) 

The areas involving the most sensitive estimates and assumptions that 
are significant to the financial statements are set out below and in more 
detail in the related notes:  
–  Intangible assets (note 3.3)  
–  Impairment of assets (note 3.2 and note 3.3) 
–  Programme rights and other inventory (note 3.1) 
–  Trade receivables (note 3.1) 
–  Taxation (note 2.3) 
–  Defined benefit pension schemes (note 3.6) 
–  Employee benefits (note 4.7) 
–  Provisions (note 3.5) 

Application of new or amended EU endorsed accounting standards 

Accounting Standard 

Requirement 

Impact on financial statements 

IFRS 8: Operating Segments  

IFRS 8 was amended to state that segment information for 
total assets is only required if such information is regularly 
reported to the chief operating decision-maker (‘CoDM’). 

The Group has not disclosed total assets since this 
information is not regularly reported to the CoDM. 

IAS 1: Presentation of Financial 
Statements 

IAS 1 was amended to state that the classification of the 
liability component of a convertible instrument as current or 
non-current is not affected by terms that, at the option of 
the holder, result in settlement of the liability through issue  
of equity instruments. 

The holders of ITV’s convertible bond have no 
ability to force early conversion of the convertible 
bond, and therefore the liability component 
continues to be held as a non-current liability. 

IAS 17: Leases – Classification of 
leases of land and buildings 

The standard was amended such that leases over a long 
(several decades) period of time may now be classified as a 
finance lease, even if at the end of the lease term title does 
not pass to the lessee. 

The Group continues to hold such leases as 
operating leases.  

IAS 36: Impairment of Assets  

The standard was amended to confirm that the largest 
unit to which goodwill can be allocated is the operating 
segment level, as defined in IFRS 8, before applying the 
aggregation criteria. 

The Group has reconsidered the allocation of 
goodwill in the current year (see note 3.3). 

The directors considered the impact of other new and revised accounting standards, interpretations or amendments on the Group that are currently 
endorsed but not yet effective. It was concluded that none were relevant to the Group’s results.

 
 
 
  
 
 
Section 2 Results for the year  

77

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

This section focuses on the results and performance of the Group. On the following 
pages you will find disclosures explaining the Group’s results for the year, segmental 
information, exceptional items, taxation and earnings per share.

2.1 Profit before tax 

This section analyses the Group’s profit before tax by reference to the activities performed by the Group and an analysis 
of key operating costs.

Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and exceptional items remains the Group’s key profit indicator. This reflects the 
way the business is managed and how the directors assess the performance of the Group.

Accounting policies 

Revenue recognition 
Revenue is stated exclusive of VAT and consists of sales of goods and 
services to third parties. Revenue from the sale of products is recognised 
when the Group has transferred both the significant risks and rewards of 
ownership and control of the products sold and the amount of revenue 
can be measured reliably.  

Key classes of revenue are recognised on the following bases: 

Class of revenue 
Advertising  
Sponsorship 

Programme production 
Programme rights 

Multiplex services  
Participation revenues* 

Recognition criteria 
on transmission or display 
on transmission of the sponsored 
programme or series 
on delivery 
when contracted and available for 
exploitation 
as the service is provided 
as the service is provided 

* Participation revenues relate to interactive and ‘red button’ services and arise principally in the 
‘Broadcasting & Online’ segment.  

Segmental information  
Operating segments, which have not been aggregated, are reported in 
a manner that is consistent with the internal reporting provided to the 
Board of directors, regarded as the chief operating decision-maker.  

The Board of directors considers the business primarily from a product 
or activity perspective. The reportable segments for the years ended 
31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009 are therefore ‘Broadcasting & 
Online’, ‘ITV Studios’ and ‘Other’ (2009 only) the results of which are 
outlined below:  

Total segment revenue 
Intersegment revenue 
Revenue from external customers 
EBITA before exceptional items 
Share of profits or (losses) of joint 
ventures and associated undertakings 

Broadcasting 
& Online 
2010 
£m   
1,771  
–  
1,771  
327  

ITV Studios
2010

£m   
554  
(261) 
293  
81  

Consolidated
2010
£m 
2,325 
(261)
2,064 
408 

(3)  

–  

(3)

Total segment revenue 
Intersegment revenue 
Revenue from 
external customers 
EBITA before 
exceptional items 
Share of profits or (losses)  
of joint ventures and 
associated undertakings 

Broadcasting 
& Online 
2009 
£m   
1,543  
–  

ITV Studios 
2009 
£m   
597  
(262)  

Other
2009

£m   
1  
–  

Consolidated
2009
£m 
2,141 
(262)

1,543  

335  

111  

91  

1  

–  

1,879 

202 

(4)  

–  

(3) 

(7)

‘Broadcasting & Online’ is responsible for commissioning and scheduling 
programmes on the ITV channels, marketing and programme publicity 
and online rights exploitation. It derives its revenue primarily from the 
sale of advertising airtime and sponsorship. Other sources of revenue are 
from online advertising, participation revenue and the digital terrestrial 
multiplex, SDN.  

‘ITV Studios’ derives its revenue primarily from ITV Studios UK (a 
commercial programme production company), international production 
centres in America, Germany, Sweden and Australia and the distribution 
and exploitation businesses in ITV Studios Global Entertainment. 
A proportion of revenue is generated internally via programme sales to 
the ‘Broadcasting & Online’ segment. ITV Studios Global Entertainment 
sells programming, exploits merchandising and licensing worldwide, 
and is a distributor of DVD entertainment in the UK. 

Depreciation in the year was £30 million (2009: £38 million), of which 
£19 million (2009: £25 million) relates to ‘Broadcasting & Online’ and 
£11 million (2009: £13 million) to ‘ITV Studios’. 

Sales between segments are carried out at arms-length terms.  
In preparing the segment information, costs have been allocated 
between reportable segments consistently on the basis of a relevant 
allocation methodology. For example, rent is allocated on the basis  
of square feet occupied. This reflects the basis of reporting to the  
Board of directors.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78 

Section 2 Results for the year continued 

The Board of directors assess the performance of the reportable 
segments based on a measure of EBITA before exceptional items.  
This is defined as operating profit before amortisation of intangible 
assets and operating exceptional items. The Board of directors uses 
this measurement basis as it excludes the effect of non-recurring 
income and expenditure. Amortisation, investment income and share 
of profit/(losses) of joint ventures and associates are also excluded to 
reflect more accurately how the business is managed and measured 
on a day-to-day basis. Net financing costs are not allocated to segments 
as this type of activity is driven by the central treasury function, which 
manages the cash position of the Group. 

A reconciliation of EBITA before exceptional items to profit before tax is 
provided as follows: 

EBITA before exceptional items 
Operating income – exceptional items 
Amortisation and impairment of intangible 
assets 
Net financing costs 
Share of profits or (losses) of joint ventures and 
associated undertakings 
Loss on sale and impairment of non-current 
assets (exceptional items) 
Gain/(loss) on sale and impairment of 
subsidiaries and investments (exceptional items) 
Profit before tax 

2010 
£m 
408 
19 

(63) 
(75) 

(3) 

(4) 

4 
286 

2009
£m 
202 
53 

(59)
(91)

(7)

(22)

(51)
25 

The Group’s principal operations are in the United Kingdom. Its revenue 
from external customers in the United Kingdom is £1,865 million 
(2009: £1,621 million), and the total revenue from external customers 
in other countries is £199 million (2009: £258 million). 

Revenues of approximately £400 million (2009: £324 million), 
£270 million (2009: £194 million), £202 million (2009: £190 million) 
and £196 million (2009: £226 million) are derived from four external 
customers. The Group’s major customers are all media buying agencies 
acting on behalf of a number of customers. These revenues are 
attributable to the ‘Broadcasting & Online’ segment and contain the only 
customers which individually represent over 10% of the Group’s revenues. 

Operating costs  

Staff costs  

Staff costs can be analysed as follows: 

Wages and salaries 
Social security and other costs 
Share-based compensation (see note 4.7) 
Pension costs 

2010 
£m 
212 
32 
8 
17 
269 

2009
£m 
244 
33 
11 
16 
304 

Staff costs within exceptional items were £11 million (2009: £32 million) 
and principally relate to redundancy payments. Total staff costs 
including exceptional items for the year ended 31 December 2010 are 
£280 million (2009: £336 million).  

The number of employees (excluding short-term contractors and 
freelancers), calculated on a weighted average basis, during the year was: 

Broadcasting & Online 
ITV Studios 
Other 

2010 
2,312 
1,635 
– 
3,947 

2009 
2,606 
1,908 
5 
4,519 

Details of the directors’ emoluments, share options, pension 
entitlements and long-term incentive scheme interests are set out in the 
Remuneration report. 

Operating leases 

The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable 
operating leases fall due for payment as follows:  

Within one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years 
Later than five years 

2010
£m 
11 
38 
138 
187 

2009
£m 
13 
39 
145 
197 

These leases primarily relate to the Group’s properties, which principally 
comprise offices and studios. Leases typically run for a period of between 
five and ten years and may have an option to renew after that date. 
Lease payments are typically subject to market review every five years 
to reflect market rentals, but because of the uncertainty over the 
amount of any future changes, such changes have not been reflected 
in the table above. None of the leases include contingent rentals.  

The total future minimum sublease payments expected to be 
received under non-cancellable subleases at the year end is £8 million 
(2009: £5 million). 

The total operating lease expenditure recognised during the year was 
£12 million (2009: £14 million) and total sublease payments received was 
£5 million (2009: £4 million). 

Audit fees 
The Group engages KPMG Audit Plc (‘KPMG’) on assignments additional 
to their statutory audit duties where their expertise and experience with 
the Group are important. The Group’s policy on such assignments is set 
out in the Audit Committee report. 

Fees paid to KPMG during the year are set out below:  

Fees payable to KPMG for the audit of the 
Group’s annual accounts 
Fees payable to KPMG and its associates for 
other services: 
  The audit of the Group’s subsidiaries 
  pursuant to legislation 
  Other services supplied pursuant  

to legislation 

  Other services relating to taxation 
  Services relating to corporate finance 

transactions entered into or proposed to be  
entered into by or on behalf of the Group or 
any of its associates 

  All other services 

2010
£m 

0.7 

0.2 

0.2 
0.8 

– 
– 
1.9 

2009
£m 

0.7 

0.2 

0.4 
0.2 

0.6 
0.1 
2.2 

Fees paid to KPMG for audit and other services to the Company are not 
disclosed in its individual accounts as the Group accounts are required to 
disclose such fees on a consolidated basis. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
79

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

2.2 Exceptional Items 

Exceptional items are excluded from management’s assessment of profit. In management’s judgement exceptional items 
are material and non-recurring. They are excluded in order to understand the Group’s underlying quality of earnings and 
reflect how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis.

Accounting policies 
Exceptional items, as disclosed on the face of the income statement, are 
items that due to their material and non-recurring nature have been 
classified separately in order to draw them to the attention of the reader 
of the financial statements.  

Exceptional items 

C – Pension scheme changes (see note 3.6) 

Operating exceptional gains of £28 million were recognised in 2010 in 
relation to changes made to the ITV Pension Scheme. These included: 
–  a past service credit of £25 million in relation to the introduction of a 

member option to change pension payments at retirement; 

–  a past service credit of £2 million in relation to the one-off change to 

Operating and non operating exceptional items are analysed as follows: 

pension payments; and 

(Charge)/credit 
Operating exceptional items: 
  Reorganisation and restructuring costs 
  Onerous contract provisions 
  Onerous property provision  
  Pension scheme changes 
  Kangaroo closure costs 
Total net operating exceptional items 
Non-operating exceptional items: 

Loss on sale and impairment of  

  non-current assets 
  Gain/(loss) on sale and impairment of 

subsidiaries and investments 

Total non-operating exceptional items 
Total exceptional items before tax 

A – Reorganisation and restructuring costs 

Ref. 

A 

B 
C 

D 

E 

2010

£m   

(17) 
1  
7  
28  
–  
19  

(4) 

4  
–  
19  

2009
£m 

(40)
(1)
(14)
110
(2)
53 

(22)

(51)
(73)
(20)

–  a settlement gain of £1 million in relation to the enhanced transfer 

value exercise.  

In 2009 operating exceptional gains of £110 million were recognised for 
the following: 
–  a curtailment gain of £72 million for changes that were made to 
implement a cap on increases to pensionable salary levels; and 
–  a £38 million past service credit for changes made offering retired 
members the option of altering the structure of their pension 
by receiving an uplift now in return for giving up rights to future 
annual increases.  

D – Loss on sale and impairment of non-current assets 

The £4 million (2009: £22 million) loss on sale and impairment of non-
current assets relates to: 
–  a net £3 million (2009: £14 million) impairment on property, plant 

and equipment no longer used at properties expected to be vacated; 

–  a net £1 million (2009: £3 million) loss arising on the disposal of 

property, plant and equipment; and 

In 2010 a charge of £17 million (2009: £40 million) was recognised in 
relation to cost saving restructuring initiatives. 

–  a £nil (2009: £5 million) impairment on properties, included within 
assets held for sale, to reflect their estimated market value.  

B – Onerous property provision 

A £7 million credit (2009: charge of £14 million) in respect of sublet 
property at Gray’s Inn Road was recognised during the year. 
This provision release relates to changes in the anticipated use of the 
site previously expected to be excess space, as a result of significant 
headcount reductions in 2009. This provision was raised as an operating 
exceptional in 2009, and therefore the partial release of this provision 
has been credited to operating exceptional items. 

E – Gain/(loss) on sale, net of impairment, of subsidiaries, joint 
ventures and associates 

The £4 million gain on sale, net of impairment of subsidiaries, joint 
ventures and associates principally relates to the sale of Screenvision US 
(Technicolor Cinema Advertising LLC) as disclosed in note 3.4. 

In 2009 the net £51 million loss principally included a £32 million 
impairment loss on Friends Reunited; £5 million net loss on sale of 
subsidiaries; £9 million net impairment of joint ventures and associates; 
and a £6 million charge in relation to Carlton Screen Advertising Limited 
(‘CSA’) being put into creditors’ voluntary liquidation. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
80 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 2 Results for the year continued 

2.3 Taxation 

This section lays out the tax accounting policies, the current and deferred tax charges or credits in the year (which together 
make up the total tax charge or credit in the income statement), a reconciliation of profit or loss before tax to the tax 
charge or credit and the movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Accounting policies  
The tax charge for the period is recognised in the income statement and 
the statement of comprehensive income, according to the accounting 
treatment of the related transaction. The tax charge comprises both 
current and deferred tax.  

Taxation – Income statement 
The total taxation (charge)/credit in the income statement is analysed 
as follows:  

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable 
income or loss for the year and any adjustment to tax payable in respect 
of previous years. The current tax charge is based on tax rates that are 
enacted or substantively enacted at the year-end. 

Current tax: 
  Current tax charge before exceptional items  
  Current tax credit on exceptional items  

The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax issues based on 
estimates of the additional taxes that are likely to become due, which 
requires judgement. Amounts are accrued based on management’s 
interpretation of specific tax law and the likelihood of settlement. 
Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the 
amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the 
income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such 
determination is made. 

Deferred tax arises due to certain temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes 
and those for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are 
not provided for: 
–  the initial recognition of goodwill;  
–  the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither 

accounting nor taxable profit other than in a business combination; 
and 

–  differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that 

they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future.  

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner 
of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and 
liabilities. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is 
probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to utilise the 
temporary difference.  

Recognition of deferred tax assets, therefore, involves judgement 
regarding the timing and level of future taxable income. Deferred tax 
assets and liabilities are disclosed net to the extent that they relate to 
taxes levied by the same authority and the Group has the right of set off. 

2010
£m 

(64)
3 
(61)
– 
(61)

53 
(8)
– 
45 

(16)

2009
£m 

(13)
10 
(3)
68 
65 

21 
(31)
14 
4 

69 

  Adjustment for prior periods  

Deferred tax: 
  Origination and reversal of  
temporary differences  

  Deferred tax on exceptional items 
  Adjustment for prior periods  

Total taxation (charge)/credit in the 
income statement 

In order to understand how, in the income statement, a tax charge of 
£16 million arises on a profit before tax of £286 million, the taxation 
charge that would arise at the standard rate of UK corporation tax is 
reconciled to the actual tax charge as follows: 

Profit before tax 
Taxation charge at UK corporation tax rate of 
28% (2009: 28%) 
Non-taxable/non-deductible exceptional items 
Non-taxable income/non-deductible expenses 
Recognition of tax losses brought forward 
Over provision in prior periods 
Other 
Total taxation (charge)/credit in the 
income statement 

2010
£m 
286 

(80)
– 
(1)
68 
– 
(3)

(16)

2009
£m 
25 

(7)
(21)
(8)
26 
82 
(3)

69 

Non-deductible expenses are expenses that are not expected to be 
allowable for tax purposes. Similarly non-taxable income is income that 
will not be taxed. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
81

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Tax losses brought forward may be utilised against current year profits if 
the brought forward losses and the current year profits are of the same 
type. Use of tax losses in this way leads to a reduction of the tax charge. 
Tax losses of £68 million (2009: £26 million) include a credit for utilisation 
of financing losses linked to previous investments (‘loan relationship 
deficits’) of £16 million (2009: £23 million) and the recognition of 
deferred tax of £45 million (2009: £3 million) on the remaining loan 
relation deficits and a credit of £5 million (2009: £nil) on the recognition 
of a deferred tax asset on other losses. 

Over provision in prior periods may arise if a more favourable outcome is 
obtained for tax purposes than was expected when the provision was 
made. Upon confirmation that the more favourable tax treatment will 
apply, the over provision may be released to lower the current year tax 
charge. The opposite is true of under provisions. 

The emergency budget on 22 June 2010 announced a change to the UK 
corporation tax rate from 28% to 27%. This was substantially enacted 
on 20 July 2010 and will be effective from 1 April 2011. This will reduce 
the Group’s future tax charge and accordingly deferred tax assets and 
liabilities have been revalued at 27%. 

The effective tax rate is the tax charge (or credit) on the face of the 
income statement expressed as a percentage of the profit (or loss) 
before tax. In the year ended 31 December 2010, the effective tax 
rate is lower (2009: lower) than the standard rate of UK corporation tax 
primarily because circumstances have changed such that the Group is 
now making taxable profits, and it is envisaged that it will be possible to 
utilise brought forward tax losses. As set out in the financial review ITV 
uses an adjusted tax rate to show the cash tax impact on its adjusted 
earnings. 

Property, plant and 
equipment 
Intangible assets 
Programme rights 
Pension scheme deficits 
Interest-bearing loans and 
borrowings, and derivatives 
Share-based compensation 
Unremitted earnings of 
subsidiaries, associates and 
joint ventures 
Other 

At  
1 January 
2009 
£m   

Recognised in 
the income 
statement 
£m   

Recognised 
in equity 
£m   

At 
31 December 
2009 
£m 

(15)  
(95)  
4   
49   

(1)  
4  

(3)  
2  
(55)  

16  
13  
(2)  
(25)  

–  
–  

–  
2  
4  

–  
– 
–  
98  

– 
3  

– 
–  
101  

1 
(82)
2 
122 

(1)
7 

(3)
4 
50 

At 31 December 2010, total deferred tax assets are £139 million 
(2009: £136 million) and total deferred tax liabilities are £66 million 
(2009: £86 million). 

The deferred tax balance relating to: 
–  property, plant and equipment principally relates to timing 

differences arising on assets qualifying for capital allowances; 
–  intangible assets mainly relates to timing differences on intangible 

assets arising on business combinations; 

–  programme rights relates to timing differences on intercompany 

Taxation – Other comprehensive income 

profits on stock; 

Within other comprehensive income a tax charge totalling £22 million 
(2009: credit of £101 million) has been recognised representing deferred 
tax. An analysis of this is included below in the deferred tax movement 
table. 

Taxation – Statement of financial position 

The table below outlines the deferred tax assets/(liabilities) that are 
recognised in the statement of financial position, together with their 
movements in the year: 

Property, plant and 
equipment 
Intangible assets 
Programme rights 
Pension scheme deficits 
Tax losses 
Interest-bearing loans and 
borrowings, and derivatives 
Share-based compensation 
Unremitted earnings of 
subsidiaries, associates and 
joint ventures 
Other 

At 
1 January
2010

£m   

Recognised in 
the income 
statement 
£m   

Recognised 
in equity 
£m   

At 
31 December 
2010 
£m 

1  
(82) 
2 
122 
–  

(1) 
7  

(3) 
4  
50  

1  
17  
–  
(24)  
50  

–  
–  

3  
(2)  
45  

–  
– 
–  
(22) 
– 

– 
–  

– 
–  
(22) 

2 
(65)
2 
76 
50 

(1)
7 

– 
2 
73 

–  pension scheme deficits relates to timing differences on the IAS 19 
pension deficit as well as the spreading of tax relief on one-off large 
pension funding payments; 

–  tax losses relates to timing differences in receiving the benefit of 

the Group’s tax losses; 

–  interest-bearing loans and borrowings and derivatives relates 

to timing differences on hedging instruments; 

–  share-based compensation relates to timing differences on 

share schemes; 

–  unremitted earnings of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 

relates to tax losses of associated companies; and 

–  other relates to timing differences on miscellaneous items including 

sale and leaseback arrangements and various provisions. 

A deferred tax asset of £45 million in relation to carried forward loan 
relationship deficits of £168 million has been recognised after the 
utilisation in 2010 of part of the loan relationship deficits on which 
deferred tax was not recognised at 31 December 2009. Additionally a 
deferred tax asset of £5 million has been recognised in relation to other 
carried forward tax losses. The deferred tax on these losses has now been 
recognised as circumstances have changed such that the Group is now 
making taxable profits and it is envisaged that it will be possible to utilise 
these losses going forward.  

The deferred tax balance associated with the pension deficit has been 
adjusted to reflect the current tax benefit obtained in the current year 
following the contribution of £171 million to the Group’s defined benefit 
pension scheme. 

A deferred tax asset of £602 million (2009: £625 million) in respect of 
capital losses of £2,230 million (2009: £2,230 million) has not been 
recognised due to uncertainties as to the amount and whether a capital 
gain will arise in the appropriate form and relevant territory against 
which such losses could be utilised. For the same reasons, deferred tax 
assets in respect of overseas losses of £9 million (2009: £10 million) that 
time expire between 2017 and 2026 have not been recognised.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 2 Results for the year continued 

2.4 Earnings per share 

Earnings per share (‘EPS’) is the amount of post-tax profit attributable to each share.  

Basic EPS is calculated on the Group profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company of 
£269 million (2009: £91 million) divided by 3,884 million (2009: 3,882 million) being the weighted average number of 
shares in issue during the year.

Diluted EPS takes into account the dilutive effect of all share options being exercised and assumes that the £135 million 
convertible bond is converted to shares in its entirety.

Basic EPS is adjusted in order to more accurately show the business performance of the Group in a consistent manner 
and reflect how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. Adjusted EPS is adjusted for exceptional 
items, impairment of intangible assets, amortisation of intangible assets acquired through business combinations, net 
financing cost adjustments and prior period and other tax adjustments.

The calculation of basic, diluted and adjusted EPS is set out below: 
Basic earnings per share 

Profit for the year attributable to equity 
shareholders of the parent company 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue – million 
Dilution impact of share options 
Dilution impact of convertible bond  
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue – million 
Earnings per ordinary share 

Profit for the year attributable to equity 
shareholders of the parent company 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue – million 
Dilution impact of share options 
Dilution impact of convertible bond  
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue – million 
Earnings per ordinary share 

Adjusted earnings per share 

Profit for the year attributable to equity 
shareholders of the parent company 
Exceptional items 
Profit for the year before exceptional items 
Amortisation and impairment of acquired 
intangible assets  
Adjustments to net financing costs 
Other tax adjustments 
Adjusted profit 
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue – million 
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share 

Ref. 

Basic 
£m   

2010 

Diluted 
£m 

269  

270 

  3,884   3,884 
27 
–  
192 
–  

A 

  3,884   4,103 
6.6p 

6.9p  

Ref. 

Basic 
£m   

2009 

Diluted 
£m 

91  

92 

  3,882   3,882 
13 
–  
192 
–  

A 

  3,882   4,087 
2.3p 

2.3p  

Adjusted

Ref. 

£m   

269  
(14)
255  

35  
4  
(47)
247  

B 

C 
D 
E 
F 

2010 

Diluted 
£m 

270 
(14)
256 

35 
4 
(47)
248 

  3,884   4,103 
6.0p 

6.4p  

Profit for the year attributable to equity 
shareholders of the parent company 
Exceptional items 
Profit for the year before exceptional items 
Amortisation and impairment of acquired 
intangible assets  
Adjustments to net financing costs 
Prior period tax adjustments 
Other tax adjustments 
Adjusted profit 
Total weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue – million 
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share 

Adjusted
£m 

Ref. 

91 
41 
132 

37 
9 
(82)
(26)
70 

B 

C 
 D 

E 
F 

2009 

Diluted 
£m 

92 
41 
133 

37 
9 
(82)
(26)
71 

  3,882  4,087 
1.7p 

1.8p 

A – Diluted earnings per share are impacted by the £135 million 2016 
Convertible Eurobond issued in November 2009.  

B – The exceptional items detailed in Section 2.2 are adjusted to reflect 
profit for the year before exceptional items. The 2010 exceptional items 
include a related tax effect of a charge of £5 million (2009: charge of 
£21 million).  

C – Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets of 
£48 million (2009: £51 million) is adjusted, including a related tax credit 
of £13 million (2009: £14 million). The rationale for adjustments to 
amortisation of intangibles is provided in the Financial and performance 
review. 

D – Adjustments to net financing costs of £6 million (2009: £12 million) 
includes a related tax effect of a credit £2 million (2009: credit of 
£3 million). The rationale for adjustments made to financing costs is 
provided in the Financial and performance review. 

E – Other tax adjustments reflect the reversal of the credit arising from 
the recognition of the deferred tax asset generated on certain losses 
partially offset by those losses utilised in the current year.  

F – Adjusted profit is defined as profit for the year before exceptional 
items, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets, net 
financing cost adjustments and other tax adjustments.  

 
 
       
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 3 Operating assets and liabilities 

83

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

This section shows the assets used to generate the Group’s trading performance and 
the liabilities incurred as a result. Liabilities relating to the Group’s financing activities 
are addressed in Section 4. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are shown in Section 2.3.
On the following pages there are sections covering working capital, non-current 
assets, other payables due after more than one year, provisions and pensions.

3.1 Working capital 

Working capital represents the assets and liabilities the Group generates through its trading activity. The Group therefore 
defines working capital as distribution rights, programme rights and other inventory, trade and other receivables and trade 
and other payables.

Careful management of working capital is vital as it ensures that the Group can meet its trading and financing obligations 
within its ordinary operating cycle. One of the Group’s key performance indicators is ‘profit to cash’ conversion; the effective 
management of working capital will help meet the Group target that its ‘profit to cash’ ratio on a rolling three year basis is 
at least 90%.

In the following section you will find further information regarding working capital management and analysis of the 
elements of working capital.

Accounting policies 

Distribution rights 

‘Distribution rights’ are programme rights acquired from producers 
primarily for the purposes of commercial exploitation through onward 
distribution to customers, principally through licensing to broadcasters, 
and are classified as non-current assets as these rights are used to derive 
long-term economic benefit for the Group.  

Distribution rights are recognised initially at cost and charged through 
operating costs in the income statement over a maximum five year 
period that is dependent on cumulative sales and programme genre, or 
based on forecast future sales. Certain film rights are expensed over a 
period of up to 10 years reflecting the estimated longer period over 
which these types of rights can be exploited. These estimates are 
based on historical experience with similar rights as well as anticipation 
of future events. Advances paid for the acquisition of distribution rights 
are disclosed as distribution rights as soon as they are contracted. 
These advances are not expensed until the programme is available for 
distribution. Up to that point they are assessed annually for impairment 
through the reassessment of the future sales expected to be earned 
from that title. 

Programme rights and other inventory 

Where programming, sports rights and film rights are acquired for 
the primary purpose of broadcasting, these are recognised within 
current assets.  

Assets are recognised when the Group controls the respective assets and 
the risks and rewards associated with them. For acquired programme 
rights, assets are recognised as payments are made and are recognised 
in full when the programme is available for transmission. Programmes 
produced internally, either for the purpose of broadcasting or to be sold 
in the normal course of the Group’s operating cycle, are recognised 
within current assets at production cost.  

Programme costs and rights, including those acquired under sale and 
leaseback arrangements are generally expensed to operating costs in 
full on first transmission. However, film rights and certain acquired 
programmes are expensed over a number of transmissions reflecting 
the pattern in which the right is consumed.  

Programme costs and rights not yet written-off are included in the 
statement of financial position at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value. In assessing net realisable value for programmes in production, 
consideration is given to the contracted sales price and estimated costs 
to complete. For programme stock, sports rights and film rights, the net 
realisable value assessment is based on estimated airtime value, with 
consideration given to whether the number of transmissions purchased 
can be efficiently played out over the licence period. Any reversals of 
write downs for programme costs and rights are recognised as a 
reduction in operating costs.  

Historically, ITV has entered into sale and leaseback agreements in 
relation to certain programme titles. Related outstanding sale and 
leaseback obligations, which comprise the principal and accrued interest, 
are included within borrowings. The finance related element of the 
agreement is charged to the income statement over the term of the 
lease on an effective interest basis. Sale and leaseback obligations are 
secured against an equivalent cash balance held within cash and cash 
equivalents. 

Trade receivables 

Trade receivables are recognised initially at the value of the invoice 
sent to the customer and subsequently at the amounts considered 
recoverable (amortised cost). Where payments are not due for more 
than one year, they are shown in the financial statements at their 
net present value to reflect the economic cost of delayed payment. 
The Group provides goods and services to substantially all its customers 
on credit terms.  

Estimates are used in determining the level of receivables that will not, in 
the opinion of the directors, be collected. These estimates include such 
factors as historical experience, the current state of the UK and overseas 
economies and industry specific factors. A provision for impairment of 
trade receivables is established when there is sufficient evidence that the 
Group will not be able to collect all amounts due.  

The carrying value of trade receivables is considered to approximate 
fair value. 

 
 
 
 
 
84 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 3 Operating assets and liabilities continued 

Trade payables 

Trade payables are recognised at the value of the invoice received from 
a supplier.  

The carrying value of trade payables is considered approximate to 
fair value. 

Working capital management 

Cash and working capital management continues to be a key focus. 
During the year the cash inflow from working capital was £99 million 
(2009: £121 million) as follows:  

Programme rights and other inventory written off in the year was 
£3 million (2009: £11 million). There have been no reversals relating to 
inventory previously written down to net realisable value (2009: £nil).  

3.1.3 Programme commitments 
There are operating commitments in respect of programming entered 
into in the ordinary course of business with programme suppliers, sports 
organisations and film distributors in respect of rights to broadcast on 
the ITV network. Commitments in respect of these purchases, which are 
not reflected in the statement of financial position, are due for payment 
as follows: 

Within one year 
Later than one year and not more 
than five years  

3.1.4 Trade and other receivables 

Trade and other receivables can be analysed as follows: 

Due within one year: 
  Trade receivables 
  Other receivables 
  Prepayments and accrued income 

Due after more than one year: 
  Trade receivables 

Total trade and other receivables 

2010 
£m 
396 

315 
711 

2010 
£m 

354 
14 
74 
442 

6 
6 
448 

2009 
£m 
377 

396 
773 

2009 
£m 

353 
22 
57 
432 

7 
7 
439 

£360 million (2009: £360 million) of total trade receivables that are not 
impaired are aged as follows: 

Current 
Up to 30 days overdue 
Between 30 and 90 days overdue 
Over 90 days overdue 

2010 
£m 
301 
7 
1 
51 
360 

2009 
£m 
230 
43 
8 
79 
360 

With a focus on cash collection, the ageing of trade receivables has 
improved significantly in the year. The £51 million balance over 90 days 
overdue principally relates to non-consolidated licensee customers.

Decrease in programme rights and other 
inventory and distribution rights 
(Increase)/decrease in receivables  
(Decrease) in payables 
Working capital inflow 

2010  
£m 

108 
(8) 
(1) 
99 

The majority of the working capital improvement came through 
reduced inventory levels for programme and distribution rights, as a 
result of managing commitments and just-in-time commissioning.  

3.1.1 Distribution rights 
Movements in distribution rights during the year are shown in the 
table below: 

Cost: 
At 1 January  
Additions 
At 31 December  

Charged to income statement: 
At 1 January  
Expense for the year 
At 31 December  

Net book value 

2010  
£m 

99 
12 
111 

83 
16 
99 

12 

2009 
£m 

125 
11 
(15)
121 

2009 
£m 

82 
17 
99 

69 
14 
83 

16 

3.1.2 Programme rights and other inventory  
The programme rights and other inventory at the year-end are shown 
in the table below: 

Acquired films 
Production 
Commissions 
Sports rights 
Prepayments 
Other 

2010  
£m 
170 
52 
36 
21 
4 
1 
284 

2009 
£m 
207 
48 
73 
23 
36 
1 
388 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

As at 31 December 2010, trade receivables of £8 million (2009: 
£8 million) were provided against. Movements in the Group’s provision 
for impairment of trade receivables can be shown as follows:  

3.1.5 Trade and other payables due within one year  
Trade and other payables due within one year can be analysed 
as follows: 

At 1 January 
Charged during the year 
Receivables written-off during the year 
as uncollectible (utilisation of provision) 
Unused amounts reversed 
At 31 December 

2010 
£m 
8 
5 

(1)
(4)
8 

2009 
£m 
14 
4 

(6)
(4)
8 

Trade payables 
Social security 
Other payables 
Accruals and deferred income 

2010 
£m 
56 
16 
183 
417 
672 

2009 
£m 
83 
13 
162 
388 
646 

3.1.6 Trade payables due after more than one year 

Trade payables due after more than one year can be analysed as follows: 

Trade payables 

2010 
£m 
26 

2009 
£m 
31 

This relates to film creditors for which payment is due after more than 
one year.  

Trade receivables that are less than 90 days overdue are not usually 
considered impaired. The majority of the £8 million provision is therefore 
held against trade receivables that are over 90 days overdue.  

Trade receivables of £59 million (2009: £130 million) were past due but 
not impaired. Of this, £55 million (2009: £88 million) relates to non-
consolidated licensee customers in the ‘Broadcasting & Online’ segment 
where the Group has supplier and customer relationships. Further 
amounts relating to these same customers of £12 million (2009: 
£1 million) and £5 million (2009: £7 million) are included in current 
trade receivables and other receivables respectively. There is also a 
credit of £49 million (2009: credit of £61 million) included in trade and 
other payables relating to these customers. The net balance due from 
non-consolidated licensees is therefore £23 million (2009: £35 million), 
the majority of which relates to STV Group plc. 

3.2 Property, plant and equipment 

The following section shows the physical assets used by the Group to generate revenues and profits. These assets include 
office buildings and studios, as well as various items of equipment used in broadcast transmission, programme production 
and for support activities. 

The cost of these assets is the amount initially paid for them. A depreciation expense is charged to the income statement 
to reflect annual wear and tear and the reduced value of the asset. Depreciation is calculated by estimating the number of 
years the Group expects the asset to be used (useful economic life). If there has been a technological change or decline in 
business performance the directors review the value of assets to ensure they have not fallen below their depreciated value. 
If an asset’s value falls below its depreciated value an additional one-off impairment charge is made against profit.

This section also explains the accounting policies followed by ITV and the specific estimates made in arriving at the 
net book value of these assets.

Accounting policies 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and impairment losses. Certain items of property, plant and 
equipment that were revalued to fair value prior to 1 January 2004, the 
date of transition to IFRS, are measured on the basis of deemed cost, 
being the revalued amount less depreciation up to the date of transition. 

Leases  

Finance leases are those which transfer substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership to the lessee. Assets held under such leases are 
included within property, plant and equipment and depreciated on a 
straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Outstanding finance 
lease obligations, which comprise the principal plus accrued interest, are 
included within borrowings. The finance element of the agreements is 
charged to the income statement over the term of the lease on an 
effective interest basis. 

All other leases are operating leases, the rentals on which are charged 
to the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

Depreciation  

Depreciation is provided to write-off the cost of property, plant and 
equipment, less estimated residual value, on a straight line basis over 
their estimated useful lives. The annual depreciation charge is sensitive 
to the estimated useful life of each asset and the expected residual 
value at the end of its life. The major categories of property, plant and 
equipment are depreciated as follows: 

Asset class 
Freehold land 
Freehold buildings 
Leasehold properties 
Leasehold improvements 

Vehicles, equipment  
and fittings 

Depreciation policy 
not depreciated 
up to 60 years 
shorter of residual lease term or 60 years 
shorter of residual lease term or 
estimated useful life 
3 to 20 years 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 3 Operating assets and liabilities continued 

Impairment of assets 
Property, plant and equipment that is subject to depreciation is reviewed annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indicators of impairment may include changes in technology and business performance.  

Property, plant and equipment 

Property, plant and equipment can be analysed as follows: 

Cost 
At 1 January 2009 
Additions 
Reclassification 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Disposals and retirements 
At 31 December 2009 
Additions 
Reclassification 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Disposals and retirements 
At 31 December 2010 
Depreciation 
At 1 January 2009 
Charge for the year 
Impairment charge for the year (see note 2.2) 
Reclassification 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Disposals and retirements 
At 31 December 2009 
Charge for the year 
Impairment charge for the year (see note 2.2) 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Disposals and retirements 
At 31 December 2010 
Net book value 
At 31 December 2010 
At 31 December 2009 

Freehold land 
and buildings   

Improvements to leasehold

land and buildings   

Vehicles, equipment and fittings   

£m   

49  
–  
5  
–  
–  
54  
–  
3  
–  
(5) 
52  

–  
3  
6  
3  
–  
–  
12  
1  
–  
–  
(5) 
8  

44  
42  

Long 
£m   

69  
–  
(1) 
(14) 
(4) 
50  
5  
–  
(3) 
–  
52  

13  
3  
2  
–  
(5) 
(1) 
12  
1  
–  
(1) 
–  
12  

40  
38  

Short 
£m   

Owned  
£m   

Finance leases 
£m   

20  
–  
–  
–  
– 
20  
–  
–  
–  
–  
20  

8  
2  
4 
– 
– 
– 
14  
1  
1  
–  
–  
16  

4  
6  

241  
14  
(4)  
–  
(40)  
211  
22  
(3)  
(2)  
(3)  
225  

149  
27  
2  
(3)  
–  
(31)  
144  
25  
2  
–  
(3)  
168  

57  
67  

15  
–  
–  
–  
– 
15  
–  
–  
–  
–  
15  

4  
3  
– 
– 
– 
– 
7  
2  
–  
–  
–  
9  

6  
8  

Total 

£m 

394 
14 
– 
(14)
(44)
350 
27 
– 
(5)
(8)
364 

174 
38 
14 
– 
(5)
(32)
189 
30 
3 
(1)
(8)
213 

151 
161 

Included within the book values above is expenditure of £9 million (2009: £3 million) on property, plant and equipment that is in the course 
of construction.  

Capital commitments  

There are £2 million of capital commitments at 31 December 2010 (2009: £1 million).  

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
87

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

3.3 Intangible assets 

The following section shows the non-physical assets used by the Group to generate the revenues and profits of the business. 

These assets include goodwill, brands, customer contracts and relationships, licences, software development and film 
libraries. The cost of these is the amount that the Group has paid or, where there has been a business combination, the fair 
value of the identifiable intangible assets that can be sold separately or arise from legal rights. In the case of goodwill, the 
cost is the amount the Group has paid in acquiring a business in excess of the fair value of the individual assets and liabilities 
acquired. The value of goodwill is that ‘intangible’ value that comes from, for example, a uniquely strong market position 
and the outstanding productivity of its employees.  

The value of intangible assets, with the exception of goodwill, is expensed to the income statement over the number of 
years the Group expects to use the asset, the useful economic life, via an annual amortisation charge. Where there has been 
a technological change or decline in business performance the directors review the value of assets to ensure they have not 
fallen below their amortised value. Should an asset’s value fall below its amortised value an additional one-off impairment 
charge is made against profit.

This section explains the accounting policies followed by the Group and the specific estimates made in arriving at the 
net book value of these assets.

Accounting policies 

Goodwill 
Goodwill represents the future economic benefits that arise from assets 
that are not capable of being individually identified and separately 
recognised. The goodwill recognised by the Group has all arisen as a 
result of business combinations. 

Due to changes in accounting standards, the goodwill shown on the 
Group’s statement of financial position has been calculated using 
three different methods depending on the date of acquisition of the 
related business: 

Method 1: All business combinations that have occurred since 1 January 
2009 are accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Under this 
method, goodwill is measured as the fair value of the consideration 
transferred including the recognised amount of any non-controlling 
interests in the acquiree, less the net recognised amount at fair value 
of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured 
at the acquisition date. Subsequent adjustments to the fair values of 
net assets acquired can be made within 12 months of the acquisition 
date where original fair values were determined provisionally. 
These adjustments are accounted for from the date of acquisition. 
Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are accounted for as 
transactions with owners and therefore no goodwill is recognised as 
a result of such transactions. Transaction costs that the Group incurs 
in connection with a business combination, such as legal fees, due 
diligence fees and other professional and consulting fees, are expensed 
as incurred.  

Method 2: All business combinations that occurred between 1 January 
2004 and 31 December 2008 have been accounted for by applying the 
purchase method in accordance with IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations 
(2004)’. Goodwill on these combinations represents the difference 
between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the identifiable 
net assets acquired and did not include the value of the non-controlling 
interest. Transaction costs that the Group incurred in connection with a 
business combination, such as legal fees, due diligence fees and other 
professional and consulting fees, are included in the cost of acquisition. 

Method 3: For business combinations prior to 1 January 2004, goodwill 
is included at its deemed cost, which represents the amount recorded 
under UK GAAP at that time less amortisation up to 31 December 2003. 
The classification and accounting treatment of business combinations 
occurring prior to 1 January 2004, the date of transition to IFRS, has not 
been reconsidered as permitted under IFRS 1. Goodwill is stated at its 
recoverable amount being cost less any accumulated impairment losses 
and is allocated to cash-generating units. 

Other intangible assets 
Other intangible assets are those that are identifiable and can be sold 
separately or which arise from legal rights.  

Within ITV there are two types of intangible assets: those acquired and 
those that have been internally generated (such as software licences and 
development). 

Other intangible assets acquired directly by the Group are stated at cost 
less accumulated amortisation. Those separately identified intangible 
assets acquired as part of a business combination are shown at fair value 
at the date of acquisition less accumulated amortisation.  

The main intangible assets that the Group has been required to value are 
brands, licences and customer relationships and contracts.

 
 
 
 
 
 
88 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 3 Operating assets and liabilities continued 

The table below details the Group’s valuation method on initial recognition, amortisation method and estimated useful life by class of intangible asset. 

Class of intangible asset 
Brands 

Customer contracts 
and relationships 

Licences 

Software licences 
and development* 
Film libraries  

Valuation method 
Applying a royalty rate to the expected future revenues 
over the life of the brand 
Expected future cash flows from those contracts and 
relationships existing at the date of acquisition are estimated.  
If applicable, a contributory charge is deducted for the use of 
other assets needed to exploit the cash flow.  
The net cash flow is then discounted back to present value. 
Start-up basis of expected future cash flows existing at the 
date of acquisition.  
If applicable, a contributory charge is deducted for the use of 
other assets needed to exploit the cash flow.  
The net cash flow is then discounted back to present value. 
Initially at cost and subsequently at cost less accumulated 
amortisation 
Initially at cost and subsequently at cost less accumulated 
amortisation 

Amortisation method 
Straight line 

Estimated useful life 
up to 11 years  

Straight line 

up to 6 years for customer 
contracts 

Straight line 

5 to 10 years for customer 
relationships 
11 to 17 years depending on 
term of license 

Straight line 

1 to 5 years 

Sum of digits 

20 years 

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs 
to sell and ‘value in use’. The value in use is based on the discounted 
present value of the future cash flows expected to arise from the CGU 
to which the asset relates. Growth assumptions assumed as part of the 
transformation plan are not included in the estimated future cash flows 
used for impairment testing. 

Estimates are used in deriving these cash flows and the discount rate. 
Such estimates reflect current market assessments of the risks specific 
to the asset and the time value of money. The estimation process is 
complex due to the inherent risks and uncertainties. If different 
estimates of the projected future cash flows or a different selection of 
an appropriate discount rate or long-term growth rate were made, these 
changes could materially alter the projected value of the cash flows of 
the asset, and as a consequence materially different amounts would be 
reported in the financial statements. 

Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed. In respect of 
assets other than goodwill, an impairment loss is reversed if there has 
been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable 
amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the 
asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that 
would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no 
impairment loss had been recognised. 

*Internally generated software development costs in relation to itv.com are expensed as incurred.

In determining the fair value of intangible assets arising on acquisition, 
the directors are required to make estimates regarding the timing and 
amount of future cash flows to be derived from exploiting the assets 
being acquired. These cash flows are then discounted using an 
appropriate discount rate. Such estimates are based on current budgets 
and forecasts, extrapolated for an appropriate period taking into account 
growth rates, expected changes to selling prices, operating costs and the 
expected useful lives of assets following purchase. Judgements are also 
made regarding whether and for how long licences will be renewed, 
and this drives our amortisation policy for those assets. The directors 
estimate the appropriate discount rate using pre-tax rates that reflect 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks 
specific to the businesses being acquired.  

Amortisation  

Amortisation is charged to the income statement over the estimated 
useful lives of intangible assets unless such lives are judged to be 
indefinite. Indefinite life assets, such as goodwill, are not amortised 
but are tested for impairment at each year-end. 

Impairment  
Goodwill is not subject to amortisation and is tested annually for 
impairment and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value 
may be impaired.  

Other intangible assets are subject to amortisation and are reviewed for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the amount carried in the statement of financial position is less than its 
recoverable amount.  

Any impairment is recognised in the income statement. Impairment is 
determined for goodwill by assessing the recoverable amount of each 
asset or cash-generating unit (or group of cash-generating units) to 
which the goodwill relates. Assets are grouped at the lowest levels for 
which there are separately identifiable cash flows (‘cash-generating unit’ 
or ‘CGU’).  

 
  
 
89

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
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Governance
Financial statements

Goodwill

£m   

Brands

£m   

Customer 
contracts and 
relationships

£m   

Software 
licences and 
development 

£m   

Film
 libraries 
and other

£m   

Licences 

£m   

3,484  
–  
(115)
(4)
3,365  
–  
3,365  

2,735  
–  
(81)
–  
2,654  
–  
2,654  

711  
711  

200  
–  
(26)
(1)
173  
–  
173  

86  
17  
(9)
– 
94  
16  
110  

63  
79  

338  
–   
(8) 
(2) 
328  
–   
328   

234  
21  
(5) 
(1) 
249  
20  
269   

59   
79  

121   
–   
–   
–   
121   
–   
121   

38   
9   
–   
–   
47   
9   
56   

65   
74   

46   
13   
–   
(7)   
52   
2   
54   

9   
8   
–   
(5)   
12   
15   
27   

27   
40   

84   
–   
(3)
(2)
79   
–   
79   

31   
4   
(2)
(1)
32   
3   
35   

44   
47   

Total
£m 

4,273 
13 
(152)
(16)
4,118 
2 
4,120 

3,133 
59 
(97)
(7)
3,088 
63 
3,151 

969 
1,030 

Intangible assets 

Intangible assets can be analysed as follows: 

Cost 
At 1 January 2009 
Additions 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Disposals 
At 31 December 2009 
Additions 
At 31 December 2010 
Amortisation and impairment 
At 1 January 2009 
Charge for the year 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 
Disposals 
At 31 December 2009 
Charge for the year 
At 31 December 2010 
Net book value 
At 31 December 2010 
At 31 December 2009 

There has been no movement in the net book value of goodwill in the 
current year. The 2009 net movement in goodwill of £38 million resulted 
from the transfer of £34 million to assets held for sale regarding Friends 
Reunited and £4 million from the disposal of Enable Media Limited.  

Management believes that a consistent discount rate can be applied to 
all CGUs, due to the similarity of the risk factors affecting them and their 
geographical spread. There is currently no reasonably possible change in 
discount rate that would reduce the headroom in any CGU to zero. 

Also included within the book values above is expenditure of £1 million 
(2009: £6 million) on software that is in the course of development.  

Goodwill impairment tests  

The following CGUs represent the carrying amounts of goodwill. 

Broadcasting & Online 
SDN 
ITV Studios 

2010 
£m 
328 
76 
307 
711 

2009 
£m 
328 
76 
307 
711 

There has been no impairment charge for the year (2009: nil). 

When assessing impairment, the recoverable amount of each CGU is 
based on value in use calculations. These calculations require the use of 
estimates, specifically: pre-tax cash flow projections; long-term growth 
rates; and a pre-tax market discount rate.  

Cash flow projections are based on the Group’s current five-year plan. 
Beyond the five-year plan these projections are extrapolated using an 
estimated long-term growth rate of 1%–2.5% (2009: 1%–2.5%) depending 
on the CGU. The growth rates used are consistent with the long-term 
average growth rates for the industry and are appropriate because these 
are long-term businesses.  

A pre-tax market discount rate of 11.8% (2009: 12.9%) has been used in 
discounting the projected cash flows for each CGU. The discount rate has 
been revised to reflect the latest market assumptions for the Risk Free-
rate, the Equity Risk Premium and the net cost of debt.  

Broadcasting & Online 

As a result of the strategic review, the Group reconsidered the 
appropriate level to test goodwill impairment during the year and 
concluded that the Broadcasting, GMTV and Online CGUs previously 
assessed separately are a single CGU, ‘Broadcasting & Online’. 
These businesses jointly rely on the ITV licences, brands and content 
to generate cash inflows. This classification is consistent with the 
Broadcasting & Online operating segment and is the level at which 
management monitor goodwill. 

The goodwill in this CGU arose as a result of the acquisition of 
broadcasting businesses since 1999, the largest of which were the 
acquisition by Granada of United News and Media’s broadcast businesses 
in 2000 and the merger of Carlton and Granada in 2004 to form ITV plc. 

No impairment charge arose in the Broadcasting & Online CGU during 
the course of 2010 (2009: nil), due to the improvement of the advertising 
market in 2010 and the cost savings achieved in 2009. Management 
believe that currently no reasonably possible change in the advertising 
market would reduce the headroom in this CGU to zero.  

The main assumptions on which the forecast cash flows projections for 
this CGU are based include; the television share of the advertising market, 
share of commercial impacts, and programme and other costs.  

The key assumption in assessing the recoverable amount of 
Broadcasting & Online goodwill is the size of the TV advertising market. 
In forming its assumptions about the TV advertising market, the Group 
has used a combination of long-term trends, industry forecasts and 
in-house estimates, which place greater emphasis on recent experience. 
These are broadly in the range of –3% to +3% for 2011 and 0% to +4% for 
2012, with the Group’s assumptions at the cautious end of these ranges. 
It is also assumed that ITV renews its broadcasting licences in 2014. 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
90 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 3 Operating assets and liabilities continued 

SDN 

ITV Studios 

The goodwill in this CGU arose on the acquisition of SDN (the licence 
operator for DTT Multiplex A) in 2005 and represented the wider 
strategic benefits of the acquisition to ITV plc. The strategic benefits 
were principally the enhanced ability to promote Freeview as a platform, 
business relationships with the channels which are on Multiplex A and 
additional capacity available from 2010. 

No impairment charge arose in the SDN CGU during the course of 2010 
(2009: nil). 

The main assumptions on which the forecast cash flows are based are 
income to be earned from medium-term contracts and the market price 
of available multiplex video streams in the period up to and beyond 
digital switch over. These assumptions have been determined by using 
a combination of current contract terms, recent market transactions 
and in-house estimates of video stream availability and pricing. It is also 
assumed that the Multiplex A licence is renewed to 2022.  

Management believe that currently no reasonably possible change in the 
income and availability assumptions would reduce the headroom in this 
CGU to zero.  

The goodwill in this CGU arose as a result of the acquisition of production 
businesses since 1999, the largest of which were the acquisition by 
Granada of United News and Media’s production businesses in 2000 and 
the merger of Carlton and Granada in 2004 to form ITV plc. 

No impairment charge arose in the ITV Studios CGU during the course of 
2010 (2009: nil).  

The key assumptions on which the forecast cash flows were based 
include revenue (including the share of total network programme 
budget obtained) and margin growth. These assumptions have been 
determined by using a combination of extrapolation of historical trends 
within the business, industry estimates and in-house estimates of 
growth rates in all markets.  

Management believe that currently no reasonably possible change in the 
revenue and margin assumptions would reduce the headroom in this 
CGU to zero. 

 
 
91

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Financial statements

3.4 Assets held for sale, acquisitions and disposals 

The following section outlines what the Group is either holding for sale, has acquired, or has disposed of in the year.

Accounting policies 
Non-current assets or disposal groups are classified as held for sale if: 
their carrying amount will be recovered principally through sale, rather 
than continuing use; they are available for immediate sale; and, the sale 
is highly probable. A disposal group consists of assets that are to be 
disposed of, by sale or otherwise, in a single transaction together with 
the directly associated liabilities. The group includes goodwill acquired in 
a business combination if the disposal group is a cash-generating unit to 
which goodwill has been allocated. 

The Group disposed of its 50% interest in Screenvision US (Technicolor 
Cinema Advertising LLC) on 14 October 2010 for a total consideration 
of $80 million (£50 million). Consideration of $75 million (£47 million) 
has been received resulting in a gain on disposal of £4 million. $5 million 
(£3 million) is contingent on contractual commitments.  

The Group disposed of its long leasehold interest in properties at 
Birmingham and Bristol on the 12 August 2010 and 23 August 2010 
respectively for a total consideration of £7 million resulting in a net 
£1 million loss on sale.  

On initial classification as held for sale, non-current assets or components 
of a disposal group are re-measured in accordance with the Group’s 
accounting policies. Thereafter generally the assets or disposal groups are 
measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs 
to sell. Any impairment on a disposal group is first allocated to goodwill 
and then to remaining assets and liabilities on a pro-rata basis, except to 
programming rights and other inventory, financial assets and deferred 
tax assets, which continue to be measured in accordance with the 
Group’s accounting policies. Impairment on initial classification as 
held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on re-measurement are 
recognised in the income statement. Gains are not recognised in excess 
of any cumulative impairment. 

No amortisation or depreciation is charged on non-current assets 
(including those in disposal groups) classified as held for sale. Assets 
classified as held for sale are disclosed separately on the face of the 
statement of financial position and classified as current assets or 
liabilities, with disposal groups being separated between assets held 
for sale and liabilities held for sale. 

Disposal groups are classified as discontinued operations where they 
represent a major line of business or geographical area of operations.  

The income statement for the comparative period is re-presented to 
show the discontinued operations separate from the continuing 
operations. 

Disposals 

Assets held for sale 

The £3 million included in assets held for sale relates to property, plant 
and equipment (2009: £78 million related to the Group’s investments in 
Screenvision US and Friends Reunited as well as certain properties). 
The movement in assets held for sale since 1 January 2010 is 
summarised in the table below: 

At 1 January 2010 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment 
Net repayment of loans from Screenvision US 
Disposal of Screenvision US 
Disposal of Friends Reunited 
Disposal of properties held for sale 
At 31 December 2010 

The movements in liabilities held for sale since 1 January 2010 is 
summarised in the table below: 

At 1 January 2010 
Disposal of Friends Reunited 
At 31 December 2010 

2010 
£m 
78 
4 
(4)
(39)
(28)
(8)
3 

2010 
£m 
(3)
3 
– 

All disposals were included within assets held for sale in 2009. 

The Group disposed of its 100% interest in Friends Reunited Holdings 
Limited on 25 March 2010 to Brightsolid Online Innovation Limited 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of D.C. Thompson Limited) for a cash 
consideration of £27 million. The sale resulted in no material gain or loss 
on disposal in 2010. 

During the year the Group began actively marketing property that is 
surplus to requirements and disposal is anticipated to be completed 
within one year. Property was transferred from property, plant and 
equipment at a net book value of £4 million. The property in Bedford, 
classified as an asset held for sale in prior periods, continues to be 
classified as such, since it continues to be actively marketed.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 3 Operating assets and liabilities continued 

3.5 Provisions 

A provision is recognised by the Group where an obligation exists, relating to events in the past, and it is probable that cash 
will be paid to settle it.

A provision is made where the Group is not certain how much cash will be required to settle a liability, so an estimate is 
made. The main estimates relate to the cost of holding properties that are no longer in use by the Group and contracts 
the Group has entered into that are now unprofitable.

Accounting policies 
A provision is recognised in the statement of financial position when 
the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation arising from 
past events, it is probable cash will be paid to settle it and the amount 
can be estimated reliably. Provisions are determined by discounting 
the expected future cash flows by a rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as a financing cost 
in the income statement. These provisions are estimates for which the 
amount and timing of actual cash flows are dependent on future events. 

Provisions 

The movements in provisions during the year are as follows: 

At 1 January 2010 
Addition/(release)  
Unwind of discount 
Utilised  
At 31 December 2010 

Contract 
provisions 
£m   
35  
(1)  
1  
(15)  
20  

Restructuring 
provisions

£m   
8  
5  
–  
(8)
5  

Property 
provisions  
£m   
17  
(6)  
1  
(4)  
8  

Other
provisions 
£m   
16  
– 
–  
–  
16  

Total
£m 
76 
(2)
2 
(27)
49 

The table includes provisions of £34 million that are classified as current 
liabilities (2009: £47 million). 

Contract provisions are for onerous sports rights commitments and are 
expected to be utilised over the remaining contract period.  

Restructuring provisions are in respect of previously announced 
efficiency programmes and are expected to be utilised within one year. 
The amount utilised in 2010 was the remaining provision from 2009.  

Property provisions principally relate to onerous lease contracts due to 
empty space created by the significant reduction in headcount in 2009. 
Utilisation of the provision will be over the anticipated life of the leases or 
earlier if exited. 

Other provisions of £16 million mainly relate to potential liabilities that 
may arise as a result of Boxclever having been placed into administration, 
most of which relate to pension arrangements.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Overview
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Financial statements

3.6 Pensions 

In this section we explain the accounting policies governing the Group’s treatment of the pension schemes that ITV have 
in place, followed by analysis of the deficit on the defined benefit pension scheme and how this has been calculated.

The Group has offered its employees the opportunity to participate in a number of defined benefit schemes, however, 
these schemes are now closed to new members. The Group continues to offer employees the defined contribution pension 
scheme and where taken up makes payments into this scheme on their behalf.

The Group is required to disclose in the statement of financial position the net of the defined benefit pension assets and 
liabilities representing the Group’s present obligation to its past and current employees. In the event of a net liability 
the directors are obliged to determine how this deficit will be addressed. The assets are calculated at fair value and the 
obligations are measured by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows to be paid out by the scheme. The Group 
discloses the assets and obligations of the scheme and the assumptions used to calculate these. The detailed disclosures 
are included in the section below. In addition we have placed text boxes to explain some of the technical terms used 
in the disclosure. 

Accounting policies 

The Group’s pension schemes 

Defined contribution schemes 
Obligations under the Group’s defined contribution schemes are 
recognised as an operating cost in the income statement as incurred. 

Defined benefit schemes 

The Group’s obligation in respect of defined benefit pension schemes is 
calculated separately for each scheme by estimating the amount of 
future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in 
the current and prior periods. That benefit is discounted to determine its 
present value and the fair value of scheme assets is then deducted. 
The discount rate used is the yield at the valuation date on high quality 
corporate bonds.  

The Group takes advice from independent actuaries relating to the 
appropriateness of the assumptions which include life expectancy of 
members, expected salary and pension increases, inflation and the 
return on scheme assets. It is important to note that comparatively 
small changes in the assumptions used may have a significant effect 
on the income statement and statement of financial position.  

The liabilities of the defined benefit scheme are measured by 
discounting the best estimate of future cash flows to be paid out 
by the scheme using the projected unit method. This method is an 
accrued benefits valuation method in which the scheme liabilities make 
allowance for projected earnings. These calculations are performed by a 
qualified actuary.  

Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which 
they arise through the statement of comprehensive income.  

Unfunded schemes in relation to previous directors are accounted for 
under IAS 19. Assets are held outside of the pension scheme in the form 
of gilts included within cash and cash equivalents. 

Under the defined contribution schemes, the Group pays 
fixed contributions into a separate fund on behalf of the 
employee and has no further obligations to employees. 
The risks and rewards associated with this type of scheme 
are assumed by the members rather than the employer. 

In a defined benefit scheme the employer underwrites 
investment, mortality and inflation risks. In the event of 
poor returns the employer needs to address this through 
a combination of increased levels of contribution or by 
making adjustments to the scheme. Schemes can be 
funded where regular cash contributions are made by the 
employer into a fund which is invested, or unfunded where 
no regular money or assets are put aside to cover future 
payments. The main ITV schemes are funded.

Under the defined benefit scheme, the Group has an 
obligation to provide the member with future benefits in 
the form of cash payments. The Group makes contributions 
to the ITV Pension Scheme, a separate trustee-administered 
fund that is not consolidated in these financial statements, 
but is reflected on the defined benefit pension deficit line 
on the statement of financial position. The pension trustees 
manage and invest the assets of the scheme. The trustees 
of the fund are required to act in the best interest of the 
fund’s beneficiaries. The appointment of trustees to the 
fund is determined by the scheme’s documentation.

In an unfunded scheme the Group is responsible for holding 
assets to meet pension obligations.

The following section outlines the key elements of the 
Group’s defined contribution and defined benefit schemes 
during the year and as at the 31 December 2010.

 
 
 
 
 
 
94 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 3 Operating assets and liabilities continued 

Defined contribution schemes 
Total contributions recognised as an expense in relation to defined 
contribution schemes during 2010 were £6 million (2009: £4 million). 
This is the default scheme for all new employees. 

Defined benefit schemes 
The Group’s main scheme was formed from a merger of a number 
of schemes on 31 January 2006. The level of retirement benefit is 
principally based on pensionable salary at retirement. 

The Group’s main scheme consists of three sections, A, B and C. The first 
triennial valuation of section A was completed as at 1 January 2008 by 
an independent actuary for the Trustees of the ITV Pension Scheme 
and the next triennial valuation of this section is being undertaken as 
at 1 January 2011. The first triennial valuation of sections B and C were 
completed as at 1 January 2007 and the next triennial valuation of these 
sections as at 1 January 2010 is in progress. The Group will monitor 
funding levels annually.  

The defined benefit pension deficit 

The defined benefit pension deficit at 31 December 2010 was 
£313 million (2009: £436 million). 

The assets and liabilities of the scheme are recognised in the 
consolidated statement of financial position and shown within non-
current liabilities. The total recognised in the current and previous 
years are: 

Total defined benefit 
scheme obligations 
Total defined benefit 
scheme assets 
Net amount recognised within 
the consolidated statement of 
financial position 

Addressing the deficit 

2010  
£m 

2009  
£m 

2008  
£m 

2007 
£m 

2006 
£m 

(2,746)  (2,687) (2,339) (2,603) (2,657)

2,433  2,251  2,161  2,491  2,372 

(313) 

(436) 

(178) 

(112)

(285)

The statutory funding objective is that the scheme has sufficient and 
appropriate assets to pay its benefits as they fall due. This is a long-term 
target. Future contributions will always be set at least at the level 
required to satisfy the statutory funding objective. The general principles 
adopted by the trustees are that the assumptions used, taken as a 
whole, will be sufficiently prudent for pensions and benefits already in 
payment to continue to be paid, and to reflect the commitments which 
will arise from members’ accrued pension rights. 

The levels of ongoing contributions to the defined benefit schemes are 
based on the current service costs (as assessed by the scheme trustees) 
and the expected future cash flows of the scheme. Normal employer 
contributions into the schemes in 2011 for current service are expected 
to be in the region of £10 million (2010: £9 million) assuming current 
contribution rates continue as agreed with the scheme trustees. 
From July 2010, these figures include member contributions paid by the 
employer under a salary sacrifice arrangement. In addition, the following 
deficit funding payments are expected for forthcoming years, these 
funding arrangements are fixed to 2014, regardless of the Section A 
valuation due to be completed in 2011. Sections B and C funding 
arrangements may vary: 
–  In 2011 the Group will make deficit funding contributions of 

£35 million.  

–  From 2012 the Group’s annual contribution will be increased 
by £5 million, unless during the previous year the Group has 
implemented initiatives which reduce the Scheme’s deficit by at 
least £10 million, compared with the level absent such initiatives. 

–  In addition from 2012, if the Group’s reported EBITA before 

exceptional items for the year ended 31 December 2011 exceed 
£300 million, the Group will increase this contribution by an amount 
representing 10% of EBITA before exceptional items over this 
threshold level.  

–  As a result of the SDN pension partnership a further £8 million of 
annual deficit contributions will commence from 2011. Under the 
partnership arrangements, the Group has committed to making a 
payment to the Scheme of up to £150 million in 2022, if and to the 
extent that the Scheme remains in deficit at that time. 

The Group estimates the average duration of UK scheme liabilities 
to be 15 years (2009: 14 years).  

The remaining sections provide further detail of the value of scheme 
assets and liabilities, how these are accounted for and the impact on the 
income statement. 

Total defined benefit scheme obligations 

The defined benefit obligation (the pension scheme liabilities) 
may change due to the following: 

–  Current service cost/(credit) –  changes in the present value 
of the obligation attributable to the members’ current 
period’s service. This is charged to operating costs in the 
income statement.

–  Curtailment losses/gains – these occur when the Company 
is demonstrably committed to amend a scheme so that 
the benefits for future services are reduced or eliminated. 
A change in future benefits is treated as a curtailment and 
recognised in operating costs in the income statement 
rather than an actuarial gain or loss recognised in equity, 
if the effect of the re-measurement is significant.

–  Past service costs/(credits) – these occur when there is a 

change in the present value of the obligation, in respect of 
a member’s prior period of service. These can arise due to 
changes in the benefit entitlement of members and are 
recognised through operating costs. 

–  Settlement gains – these occur when the Company 

enters into a transaction to eliminate all further legal or 
constructive obligations for some or all of the benefits 
provided by the plan. Settlement gains can arise from 
enhanced transfer values exercises, fully insuring benefits 
or on business disposals. 

– 

Increase due to interest cost – this is the unwinding of the 
discount on the present value of the obligation. Broadly, 
it is determined by multiplying the discount rate at the 
beginning of the period by the present value of the 
obligation during the period. This is recognised through 
net financing costs in the income statement.

–  Actuarial losses/gains – arise from differences between 

the actual and expected outcome in the valuation of the 
obligation. These can be experience adjustments, which 
are differences between the assumptions made and what 
actually occurred, or they can result from changes in 
assumptions. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised 
through retained losses within equity.

–  Cash contributions/benefits paid – cash contributions by 
scheme participants will increase the obligations by the 
scheme whereas any benefits paid out by the scheme will 
lower the obligations of the scheme.

 
 
  
 
95

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The movement in the present value of the defined benefit obligation 
for these schemes is analysed below: 

Defined benefit obligation at 1 January 
Current service cost 
Curtailment loss/(gain) (redundancies) 
Operating exceptional curtailment gain 
(salary cap) 
Past service cost (augmentations) 
Operating exceptional past service credit 
(one-off change to pension payment) 
Operating exceptional past service credit 
(introduction of pensions payment 
change option) 
Settlement (enhanced transfer values) 
Interest cost 
Net actuarial loss 
Contributions by scheme participants 
Benefits paid 
Defined benefit obligation at 31 December 

2010 
£m 
2,687 
5 
1 

– 
– 

(2)

(25)
(21)
149 
80 
2 
(130)
2,746 

2009 
£m 
2,339 
7 
(2)

(72)
1 

(38)

– 
– 
143 
439 
4 
(134)
2,687 

The present value of the defined benefit obligation is analysed 
between wholly unfunded and funded defined benefit schemes 
in the table below: 

In July 2010, the UK Government announced changes to the inflation 
index used for statutory increases (both for pensions in payment and 
pensions in deferment) to apply to private sector pension schemes. 
This has resulted in an actuarial gain of £45 million during the period in 
respect of the ITV pension scheme. 

In estimating the life expectancy of pension scheme members, 
the Group has used PA92 year of birth tables with medium cohort 
improvements, with a 1% per annum underpin and a one year age rating 
(i.e. tables are adjusted so that a member is assumed to be one year 
older than actual age). Using these tables the assumed life expectations 
on retirement are: 

Retiring today at age 
Males 
Females 
Retiring in 20 years  
at age 
Males 
Females 

2010   
60  
26.6  
29.9  

60  
28.6  
32.0  

2010 
65 
21.7 
24.9 

65 
23.5 
26.8 

2009 
60 
26.5 
29.8 

60 
28.5 
31.9 

2009 
65 
21.6 
24.8 

65 
23.4 
26.7 

The tables above reflect published mortality investigation data in 
conjunction with the results of investigations into the mortality 
experience of scheme members. 

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure 
the defined benefit obligation are set out below: 

Defined benefit obligation in respect 
of funded schemes 
Defined benefit obligation in respect 
of wholly unfunded schemes 
Total defined benefit obligation 

2010 
£m 

2009
 £m 

Assumption 

2,709 

2,653 

Discount rate 

37 
2,746 

34 
2,687 

Rate of inflation 

Change in assumption 
Increase/decrease 
by 0.5% 
Increase/decrease 
by 0.5% 

Impact on scheme liabilities 
Decrease/increase 
by 8% (£220 million) 
Increase/decrease
 by 5% (£137 million) 
Increase
 by 2% (£55 million) 

Life expectations 

Increase by 1 year 

Assumptions used to calculate the best estimate of future 
cash flows to be paid out by the scheme include: future salary 
levels, future pensionable salary levels, the estimate of 
increases in pension payments, the life expectations of 
members, the effect of inflation on all these factors and 
ultimately the discount rate used to estimate the present 
day fair value of these obligations. 

When deciding on these assumptions the Group will take 
independent actuarial advice relating to the appropriateness 
of the assumptions.

The sensitivities above consider the single change shown with the other 
assumptions assumed to be unchanged.  

In practice, changes in one assumption may be accompanied by 
offsetting changes in another assumption (although this is not always 
the case). The Group’s net pension deficit is the difference between the 
scheme liabilities and the scheme assets. Changes in the assumptions 
may occur at the same time as changes in the market value of scheme 
assets. These may or may not offset the change in assumptions. 
For example, a fall in interest rates will increase the scheme liability, 
but may also trigger an offsetting increase in the market value of certain 
scheme assets so there is no net effect on the Group’s liability. 
Total defined benefit scheme assets  

The principal assumptions used in the scheme valuations at the  
year-end were: 

Discount rate for scheme liabilities 
Inflation assumption 
Rate of pensionable salary increases 
Rate of increase in pension payment 
(LPI 5% pension increases) 
Rate of increase to deferred pensions (CPI) 

2010  
5.40% 
3.40% 
0.90% 

3.30% 
2.90% 

2009 
5.70% 
3.40% 
0.90% 

3.30% 
3.40% 

IAS 19 requires that the discount rate used be determined by reference 
to high quality fixed income investments in the UK that match the 
estimated term of the pension obligations. The discount rate has been 
based on the yield available on AA rated corporate bonds of a term 
similar to the liabilities. 

The inflation assumption has been set by looking at the difference 
between the yields on fixed and index-linked Government bonds. 
The inflation assumption is used to calculate the remaining assumptions 
except where caps have been implemented as part of the Group’s 
actions during 2009.  

Pension scheme assets are measured at their fair value and 
can change due to the following: 

–  The expected return on scheme assets is determined 
based on the market expectations at the beginning 
of the year and calculated as the expected percentage 
return multiplied by the fair value of the scheme assets. 
This expected return on scheme assets is recognised 
through net financing costs in the income statement.

–  Actuarial gains and losses arise from differences between 
the actual and expected outcome in the valuation of the 
assets. These can be experience adjustments, which are 
differences between the assumptions made and what 
actually occurred, or they can result from changes in 
assumptions. For example differences in the actual asset 
performance versus the expected performance would be 
an actuarial gain/(loss). Actuarial gains and losses are 
recognised through retained losses within equity.

–  Employer’s contributions and cash contributions by 
scheme participants are paid into the scheme to be 
managed and invested.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 3 Operating assets and liabilities continued 

The movement in the fair value of the defined benefit scheme assets is 
analysed below: 

Fair value of scheme assets at 1 January 
Expected return on assets 
Net actuarial gain 
Employer contributions 
Contributions by scheme participants 
Settlement (enhanced transfer values) 
Benefits and expenses paid 
Fair value of scheme assets at 31 December 

2010  
£m 
2,251 
136 
147 
47 
2 
(20) 
(130) 
2,433 

2009 
£m 
2,161 
128 
48 
44 
4 
– 
(134)
2,251 

At 31 December 2010 the scheme assets were invested in a diversified 
portfolio that consisted primarily of equity and debt securities. The fair 
value of the scheme assets are shown below by major category: 

Market value of assets – equity-type assets 
Market value of assets – bonds 
Market value of assets – other 
Total scheme assets 

Market value 
2010  
£m 
901 
1,242 
290 
2,433 

Market value 
2009 
£m 
869 
1,263 
119 
2,251 

Exposure through the different asset classes is obtained through a 
combination of executing swaps and investing in physical assets. 
The trustees have a substantial holding of equity-type investments, 
mainly shares in listed and unlisted companies. The investment return 
related to these is variable, and they are generally considered ‘riskier’ 
investments. However, it is generally accepted that the yield on these 
investments will contain a premium to compensate investors for this 
additional risk. There is significant uncertainty about the likely size of this 
risk premium. In respect of overseas equity investments there is also a 
risk of unfavourable currency movements which the Group manage by 
hedging broadly 60% of the overseas investments against currency 
movements. 

The trustees also hold corporate bonds and other fixed interest securities. 
The risk of default on these is assessed by various rating agencies. 
Some of these bond investments are issued by the UK Government. 
The risk of default on these is very small compared to the risk of default 
on corporate bond investments, although some risk may remain.  

The expected return for each asset class is weighted based on the target 
asset allocation for 2011 to develop the expected long-term rate of 
return on assets assumption for the portfolio. The benchmark for 2011 is 
to hold broadly 47% equities and 53% bonds. The majority of the equities 
held by the scheme are in international blue chip entities. The aim is to 
hold a globally diversified portfolio of equities, with a target of broadly 
22% of equities being held in UK and 78% of equities held overseas. 
Within the bond portfolio the aim is to hold 58% of the portfolio in 
government bonds (gilts) and 42% of the portfolio in corporate bonds 
and other fixed interest securities. 

The expected rates of return on scheme assets by major category and 
target allocations are set out below: 

Expected 
 long-term rate 
of return  
2011  
% p.a. 
7.8 
3.7–4.7 

Planned asset 
allocation  
2011  
% of assets 
47 
53 

Expected 
 long-term rate 
of return  
2010  
% p.a. 
8.1 
4.0–5.0 

Planned asset 
allocation 
2010 
% of assets 
47 
53 

Equity and property 
Bonds 

The expected yield on bond investments with fixed interest rates 
can be derived exactly from their market value. The actual return on the 
scheme’s return seeking assets for the year ended 31 December 2010 
was an increase of £283 million (2009: increase of £176 million). 

Amounts recognised through the income statement  

Amounts recognised through the income statement in the various 
captions are as follows: 

Amount charged to operating costs: 
  Current service cost 
  Curtailment (loss)/gain (redundancies) 
  Past service cost (augmentations) 

Amount credited to operating income  
– exceptional items: 
  Curtailment gain (salary cap) 
  Past service credit (one-off change 

to pensions payment) 

  Past service credit (introduction of 
  pensions payment change option) 
  Settlement gain (enhanced transfer values) 

Amount (charged)/credited to net 
financing costs: 

Expected return on pension scheme assets 
Interest cost 

Total credited in the consolidated 
income statement 

2010
 £m 

2009 
£m 

(5)
(1)
– 
(6)

– 

2 

25 
1 
28 

(7)
2 
(1)
(6)

72 

38 

– 
– 
110 

136 
(149)
(13)

128 
(143)
(15)

9 

89 

Operating exceptional gains of £28 million, included above, were 
recognised in 2010 in relation to changes made to the ITV Pension 
Scheme. These included: 
–  a past service credit of £25 million in relation to the introduction of a 

member option to change pension payments at retirement 

–  a past service credit of £2 million in relation to the one off change to 

pension payments, and 

–  a settlement gain of £1 million in relation to the enhanced transfer 

value exercise.  

Amounts recognised through the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income/(cost) 

The amounts recognised through the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income/(cost) are: 

Actuarial gains and (losses): 
  Arising on scheme assets 
  Arising on scheme liabilities 

2010 
£m 

147 
(80)
67 

2009 
£m 

48 
(439)
(391)

The cumulative amount of actuarial gains and losses recognised through 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income since 1 January 
2004 is an actuarial loss of £252 million (2008: £319 million loss). 

Included within actuarial gains and losses are experience adjustments 
as follows: 

2010 
£m 

2009  
£m 

2008 
 £m 

2007 
£m 

2006 
£m 

Experience 
adjustments on 
scheme assets 
Experience 
adjustments on 
scheme liabilities 

147 

48 

(438) 

15 

32 

(3)

– 

– 

(18)

(12)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 4 Capital structure and financing costs 

97

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

The directors have to determine the appropriate capital structure of ITV specifically 
how much is raised from shareholders (equity) and how much is borrowed from 
financial institutions (debt) in order to finance the Group’s activities both now and 
in the future. 
The Board’s focus during the year was on reducing net debt and improving the Group’s 
credit rating. As these improvements continue the Board will review its policies on capital 
structure to support the Transformation Plan.  
The Board is mindful that equity capital cannot be easily flexed and in particular 
raising new equity would only be likely in the context of an acquisition. Debt can be 
issued and repurchased more easily but there are high transaction costs in frequent 
adjustment and debt holders are under no obligation to accept any offer to repurchase.

This section outlines how the Group manages its capital. The Group considers its capital structure and dividend policy at 
least twice a year ahead of announcing results in the context of its ability to continue as a going concern and deliver its 
business plan. The Group focuses on leverage, credit ratings and interest cost, particularly when considering investment.  

On the following pages there are sections on the Group’s net debt, borrowings and held to maturity investments, derivative 
financial instruments, net financing costs, financial risk factors, fair value hierarchies, equity and share-based compensation.

The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

4.1 – Net debt 

Net debt is the Group’s key measure used to evaluate total outstanding debt net of the current cash resources. 

In defining total outstanding debt the directors consider it appropriate to include the following:

–  the currency impact of swaps held against those debt instruments;

–  equity components of debt instruments; and

–  the accounting impact on specific bonds due to the increase in coupon rates caused by the downgrade of ITV’s 

investment status in August 2008.

Analysis of net debt  

The table below analyses the Group’s components of net debt and their movements in the year: 

Cash 
Cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash held within the disposal group 
Held to maturity investments 

Loans and loan notes due within one year 
Finance leases due within one year 
Loans and loan notes due after one year 
Finance leases due after one year 

Currency component of swaps held against Euro denominated bonds 
Convertible bond equity component 
Amortised cost adjustment 
Net debt 

1 January  
2010  
£m 
479 
103 
582 
4 
149 

Net cash flow 
and acquisitions 
£m 
282 
(6) 
276 
(4) 
– 

Currency and 
non-cash 
movements 
£m 
– 
2 
2 
– 
(1)

31 December 
2010
£m 
761 
99 
860 
– 
148 

(1) 
(8) 
(1,366) 
(65) 
(1,440) 

108 
(35) 
20 
(612) 

1 
8 
146 
4 
159 

– 
– 
– 
431 

(47)
(8)
50 
8 
3 

(10)
4 
(5)
(7)

(47)
(8)
(1,170)
(53)
(1,278)

98 
(31)
15 
(188)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
98 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 4 Capital structure and financing costs continued 

Cash 
Cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash held within the disposal group 
Held to maturity investments 

Loans and loan notes due within one year 
Finance leases due within one year 
Loans and loan notes due after one year 
Finance leases due after one year 

Currency component of swaps held against Euro denominated bonds 
Convertible bond equity component 
Amortised cost adjustment 
Net debt 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Included within cash equivalents is £53 million (2009: £62 million), the 
use of which is restricted to meeting finance lease commitments under 
programme sale and leaseback commitments, and gilts of £36 million 
(2009: £34 million) over which the unfunded pension promises have 
a charge. 

Held to maturity investments 

In February 2009 ITV raised a net £50 million through a £200 million 
covenant free loan with a maturity of March 2019, secured against the 
purchase of 4.5% March 2019 gilts with a nominal value of £138 million 
(for a cost of £150 million). As at December 2010 this gilt has a carrying 
value of £148 million. 

Loan and loan notes due within one year 

During the course of the year ITV repurchased €63 million (£54 million) 
of the October 2011 bonds with €54 million (£47 million) remaining due 
within one year. In 2009 ITV repaid €195 million (£171 million) of this 
October 2011 bond and exchanged at par €188 million for the issuance 
at par of new bonds with a maturity of June 2014 and a coupon of 10%.  

Loan and loan notes due after one year 

In 2010 ITV conducted further repurchases of £42 million of the 
£425 million October 2015 bonds reducing the outstanding balance to 
£383 million. These bonds carry a coupon of 5.375%.  

In December 2010 ITV repaid the remaining £50 million of the 
£125 million May 2013 loan (2009: £75 million repaid).  

Included within loan notes due after one year is the £200 million 
covenant free loan raised in February 2009 with a maturity of March 
2019. This loan is secured against the 4.5% March 2019 gilts with a 
nominal value of £138 million (for a cost of £150 million) described 
above. Interest on the loan is fixed at 6.75% for the first three years and a 
variable rate thereafter, depending in part on the performance of an 
interest rate algorithm. The interest mechanism on these instruments 
was adjusted during the year. The change was not significant and did not 

1 January  
2009  
£m 
503 
113 
616 
– 
– 

Net cash flow 
and acquisitions 
£m 
(20) 
(11) 
(31) 
– 
150 

Currency and 
non-cash 
movements 
£m 
(4)
1 
(3)
4 
(1)

31 December 
2009
£m 
479 
103 
582 
4 
149 

(252) 
(7) 
(1,192) 
(72) 
(1,523) 

147 
– 
30 
(730) 

249 
7 
(221) 
– 
35 

– 
(36) 
– 
118 

2 
(8)
47 
7 
48 

(39)
1 
(10)
– 

(1)
(8)
(1,366)
(65)
(1,440)

108 
(35)
20 
(612)

impact the accounting treatment. The lender has the option to increase 
this debt by £150 million.  

In March 2009 ITV repaid its £250 million Eurobond. 

Currency components of swaps held against euro denominated bonds 

As at 31 December 2010 the currency element of the cross currency 
interest rate swaps is a £98 million asset (2009: £108 million asset) and 
this offsets the exchange rate movement of the 2011 and 2014 Euro 
denominated bonds. The interest element of the swap is a £10 million 
asset (2009: £12 million asset) resulting in an overall net asset total at 
31 December 2010 of £108 million (2009: £120 million net asset total) 

Convertible bond  

In November 2009 ITV issued a £135 million convertible Eurobond with 
a maturity date of November 2016 and a coupon of 4%. As the bond 
contains an option for the issuer to convert a portion of the debt into 
ITV’s equity, the components are treated as separate instruments. 
The accounting policy for this compound instrument is detailed in 
note 4.2.  

The debt portion is £100 million (2009: £96 million) and is included within 
Loans and loan notes due after one year. The effective interest rate on 
the carrying value of the debt component is 9.4%. The equity 
component of £31 million (2009: £35 million) is shown separately. 

Amortised cost adjustment 

The purpose of the amortised cost adjustment is to exclude the impact 
of the coupon step-up on net debt. ITV’s Standard & Poor’s credit rating 
was lowered to BB+ in August 2008, resulting in a coupon step-up in the 
2011 and 2017 bonds. The recalculation of the amortised cost carrying 
values as required by IAS 39 resulted in a non-cash increase in net debt of 
£30 million as at 31 December 2008. The accounting treatment unwinds 
this increase in future years as a reduction in interest expense. As this 
adjustment has no impact on the cash interest paid the interest charged 
to unwind the adjustment is excluded from net financing costs as 
described in the Financial and performance review. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
99

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

4.2 Borrowings and held to maturity investments  

The Group borrows money from financial institutions in the form of bonds and other financial instruments. These generally 
have fixed interest rates and are for a fixed term. 

Some of these financial instruments are complex in that they require the Group to hold investments, of a lesser value, 
in assets that have fixed interest rates and a fixed maturity date.

The interest payable and receivable on these instruments is shown in the Net financing costs note in Section 4.4

Accounting policies 

Borrowings 

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value including directly 
attributable transaction costs, with subsequent measurement at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Under the 
amortised cost method the difference between the amount initially 
recognised and the redemption value is recorded in the income 
statement over the period of the borrowing on an effective 
interest basis.  

Where the Group has identified that the treatment of a borrowing 
(amortised cost) and its related derivative (fair value) result in a 
mismatch, the Group has adopted the fair value option within IAS 39 
(revised) to eliminate this accounting mismatch. This is considered more 
appropriate than the amortised cost method as the movements in these 
financial instruments largely offset each other and, as a result, they are 
managed on an aggregated basis. The effect of this is that the Group 
recognises any such borrowings at fair value in all periods subsequent 
to initial recognition, with resultant gains or losses recorded in the 
income statement.  

Compound financial instruments 

Compound financial instruments are instruments that are classified 
as partly debt and partly equity due to the terms of the instrument.  

The Group has one compound financial instrument which is a convertible 
note that can be converted to share capital at the option of the holder 
at maturity. 

The liability component of a compound financial instrument is 
recognised initially at the fair value of a similar liability that does not 
have an equity conversion option. The equity component is recognised 
initially at the difference between the fair value of the compound 
financial instrument as a whole and the fair value of the liability 
component. Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated 
to the liability and equity components in proportion to their initial 
carrying amounts. 

Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability component of a compound 
financial instrument is measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method. The equity component of a compound financial 
instrument is not re-measured subsequent to initial recognition but is 
transferred to retained losses over the term of the instrument on an 
effective interest rate basis. 

Held to maturity assets 
Where the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold financial 
assets to maturity, they are classified as held to maturity. Held to 
maturity financial assets are recognised initially at fair value including 
any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, held to maturity financial assets are measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. 

Borrowings and held to maturity investments 
The table below analyses the Group’s borrowings by when they fall due 
for payment: 

Current 
In one year or less, or on demand 
Non-current 
In more than one year but not more 
than two years 
In more than two years but not more 
than five years 
In more than five years 

Total 

Current 
In one year or less, or on demand 
Non-current 
In more than one year but not more 
than two years 
In more than two years but not more 
than five years 
In more than five years 

Total 

Loans and  
loan notes  
£m   

Finance
 leases 

£m   

2010 

Total 
£m 

47  

8   

55 

–  

607  
563  
1,170  
1,217  

10   

34   
9   
53   
61   

Loans and  
loan notes  
£m   

Finance
 leases 
£m   

10 

641 
572 
1,223 
1,278 

2009 

Total 
£m 

1  

8  

9 

106  

9  

115 

316  
944  
1,366  
1,367  

39  
17  
65  
73  

355 
961 
1,431 
1,440 

Current loans and loan notes due within one year 

Loans repayable in one year or less as at 31 December 2010 comprise 
an unsecured €54 million Eurobond (£47 million) which has a coupon 
of 6.0% and matures in October 2011. After cross currency swaps there 
is a net amount receivable in October 2011 of £16 million. In 2009 this 
bond was classified as due in more than one year but not more than 
two years. 

Loans and loan notes repayable between two and five years 

Loans repayable between two and five years as at 31 December 2010 
includes an unsecured £110 million Eurobond which has a coupon of 
three-month sterling LIBOR plus 2.7% and matures in March 2013, an 
unsecured €188 million Eurobond (£126 million net of cross currency 
swaps) which has a coupon of 10.0% and matures in June 2014 and an 
unsecured £383 million Eurobond which has a coupon of 5.375% and 
matures in October 2015. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
100 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 4 Capital structure and financing costs continued 

Loans and loan notes repayable after five years 

Loans repayable after five years includes an unsecured £135 million 
convertible Eurobond which has a coupon of 4.0% and matures in 
November 2016, an unsecured £250 million Eurobond which has a 
coupon of 7.375% and matures in January 2017 and an unsecured bank 
loan for £200 million which has a coupon of 6.75% until March 2012 and 
a variable rate thereafter and matures in March 2019.  

Fair values versus book value 

The tables below provide fair value information for the Group’s 
borrowings and held to maturing investments: 

Assets  
Held to maturity 
investments 

Book value   

Maturity   

2010 
£m 

2009  
£m   

2010 
£m 

Fair value 

2009 
£m 

Mar 19  

148 

149  

150 

143 

The fair value of held to maturity investments is based on quoted 
market bid prices at the year-end.  

Maturity   

Liabilities  
€54 million Eurobond 
(previously €118 
million Eurobond) 
Oct 11  
£110 million Eurobond  Mar 13  
£50 million loan 
May 13  
€188 million Eurobond  Jun 14  
£383 million Eurobond 
(previously 
£425 million 
Eurobond) 
£135 million 
Convertible bond 
Nov 16  
£250 million Eurobond  Jan 17  
£200 million loan 
Mar 19  
Other loans 

Oct 15  

Book value   

2010 
£m 

2009  
£m   

2010 
£m 

Fair value 

2009 
£m 

47 
110 
– 
150 

106  
110  
50  
156  

48 
109 
– 
185 

109 
105 
58 
187 

347 

384  

373 

387 

100 
263 
200 
– 
1,217 

96  
264  
200  
1  
1,367  

172 
258 
269 
– 
1,414 

147 
240 
244 
1 
1,478 

Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated 
based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, 
discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. 

The book value of the 2011 Eurobond decreased in the year principally 
as a result of repurchases. After taking account of cross currency interest 
rate swaps ITV will receive a net £16 million at maturity.  

The book value of the 2015 £383 million Eurobond decreased in the year 
as a result of repurchases. 

The fair value of the £135 million Convertible bond is based upon the par 
value, whereas the bonds are accounted for partly as debt and partly as 
equity, net of issue costs, as described in note 4.1. 

Finance leases 

The following table analyses when finance lease liabilities are due 
for payment: 

2010   

2009 

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
£m   
11  

Interest  
£m   
3  

Principal  
£m   
8  

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
£m 
12 

Interest 
£m 
4 

Principal 
£m 
8 

50  

10  
71  

6  

44  

1  
10  

9  
61  

58 

18 
88 

10 

1 
15 

48 

17 
73 

In one year or less 
In more than one  
year but not more 
than five years 
In more than five 
years 

Finance leases principally comprise programmes under sale and 
leaseback arrangements and a contractual arrangement relating to 
the provision of news accounted for as a lease. The net book value of 
tangible assets held under finance leases at 31 December 2010 was 
£9 million (2009: £8 million).

 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
101

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

4.3 Derivative financial instruments  

A derivative is a financial instrument used to manage risk. Its value changes over time in response to underlying variables 
such as exchange rates or interest rates and is for a fixed period. In accordance with Board approved policies, the Group uses 
derivatives to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest on its borrowings and foreign exchange rates. These policies are 
included within Section 4.5.

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised as either assets or liabilities at fair value and are subsequently 
re-measured at fair value at each reporting date. Movements in instruments measured at fair value are recorded in the 
income statement in net financing costs. 

Analysis of these derivatives and the various methods used to calculate their respective fair values is detailed in this section.

Accounting policies 
The Group uses a limited number of derivative financial instruments to 
hedge its exposure to fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates. 
The Group does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative 
purposes. 

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value and 
are subsequently re-measured at fair value with the movement recorded 
in the income statement within net financing costs. Derivatives with 
a positive fair value are recorded as assets and negative fair values 
as liabilities. 

The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is determined by 
using the difference between the contract exchange rate and the 
quoted forward exchange rate at the reporting date. The fair value of 
interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would 
receive or pay to terminate the swap at the reporting date, taking into 
account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of swap 
counterparties. 

Derivative financial instruments 

Third party valuations are used to fair value the Group’s derivatives. 
The valuation techniques use inputs such as interest rate yield curves 
and currency prices/yields, volatilities of underlying instruments and 
correlations between inputs.  

Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of 
the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability, or a highly 
probable forecast transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss on 
the derivative financial instrument is recognised directly in equity.  

Any ineffective portion of the hedge is recognised immediately in the 
income statement. 

For financial assets and liabilities classified at fair value through profit 
or loss the fair value change and interest income/expense are not 
separated. 

The following table shows the fair value of derivative financial instruments analysed by type of contract. 

Current 

Interest rate swaps – fair value through profit or loss 
Forward foreign exchange contracts – fair value through profit or loss 

Non-current 

Interest rate swaps – fair value through profit or loss 

2010   

Assets  
£m   

Liabilities 
£m   

Assets
£m 

69   
–   
69   

(3)  
–  
(3)  

89   

(39)  

158   

(42)  

3 
2 
5 

151 

156 

2009 

Liabilities 
£m 

(3)
(1)
(4)

(30)

(34)

Interest rate swap assets as at 31 December 2010 include £108 million of 
cross-currency and interest rate swaps relating to the €54 million 2011 
Eurobond and the €188 million 2014 Eurobond (see note 4.2).  

ITV also has a £162.5 million swap matched against part of the 2015 
£383 million bond. Under this swap ITV receives 5.375% (to match the 
bond coupon) and pays six-month sterling LIBOR plus 0.3%.  

The remaining £50 million of assets relate to a number of floating rate 
swaps. ITV has a £125 million swap matched against half of the 2017 
£250 million bond. Under this swap ITV receives 6.125% (to match the 
original bond coupon) and pays three-month sterling LIBOR plus 0.51% 
with the three month sterling LIBOR capped at 5.25% for rates between 
5.25% and 8.0%.  

ITV has other swaps totalling £162.5 million matched against part of 
the 2015 £383 million bond. Under these swaps ITV receives 5.375% 
(to match the bond coupon) and pays a weighted average of three-
month sterling LIBOR plus 1.45%. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
102 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 4 Capital structure and financing costs continued 

Interest rate swap liabilities of £42 million as at 31 December 2010 relate 
to various fixed and floating rate swaps. ITV has a £162.5 million swap 
with a maturity of October 2015 under which it receives three-month 
sterling LIBOR and pays 4.35%. The bank has the right to cancel the swap. 

ITV has a £162.5 million swap with a maturity of October 2015 under 
which it receives six-month sterling LIBOR plus 0.3%, and pays the higher 
of six-month sterling LIBOR minus 0.2% or six-month US$ LIBOR minus 
1.0%, set in arrears or in advance.  

ITV has a £120.5 million swap with a maturity of October 2015 under 
which it receives 5.375% (to match the bond coupon) and pays the 
higher of six-month sterling LIBOR plus 2.905% or six-month US$ LIBOR 
plus 2.105%, set in arrears with a cap on payment of 8%.  

4.4 Net financing costs  

ITV has a £125 million swap with a maturity of January 2017 under 
which it receives three-month sterling LIBOR and pays 4.31%. The bank 
has the right to cancel the swap.  

ITV has a £125 million swap with a maturity of January 2017 under 
which it receives 7.375% (to match the bond coupon) and pays the 
higher of six-month sterling LIBOR plus 4.52% or six-month US$ LIBOR 
plus 3.72%, set in arrears with a cap on payment of 10%. 

All forward foreign exchange contracts hedge underlying currency 
exposures. 

This section details the interest income generated on the Group’s financial assets and the interest expense incurred on its 
borrowings and other financial assets and liabilities. In reporting its ‘adjusted profits’, the Group adjusts financing costs for 
mark-to-market movements on swaps and foreign exchange, imputed pension interest and other financing costs when 
assessing the net financing costs. The rationale for adjustments made to financing costs is provided in the Financial and 
performance review.

Accounting policies 

Net financing costs comprise interest income on funds invested, 
gains/losses on the disposal of financial instruments, changes in the 
fair value of financial instruments, interest expense on borrowings and 
finance leases, unwinding of the discount on provisions, foreign exchange 
gains/losses and implied interest on pension assets and liabilities. Interest 
income and expense is recognised as it accrues in profit or loss, using the 
effective interest method.  

Net financing costs 

Net financing costs can be analysed as follows: 

Financing income: 
Interest income 
Expected return on defined benefit pension 
scheme assets 

  Gain on bond exchange 
  Change in fair value of instruments classified at 

fair value through profit or loss 
Foreign exchange gain 

Financing costs: 

Interest expense on financial liabilities measured 
at amortised cost 
Interest on defined benefit pension scheme 

  obligations 

Losses on early settlement 

  Change in fair value of instruments classified at 

fair value through profit or loss 

  Other interest expense 

Net financing costs 

2010 
£m 

2009 
£m 

26 

23 

136 
– 

11 
12 
185 

128 
14 

– 
36 
201 

(93)

(93)

(149)
(10)

– 
(8)
(260)
(75)

(143)
(8)

(37)
(11)
(292)
(91)

The foreign exchange gain relates principally to Euro denominated bonds 
that are economically hedged by cross currency interest rate swaps. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
103

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

4.5 Financial risk factors  

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risks (including currency risk, price risk and interest 
rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability 
of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group 
uses derivative financial instruments to minimise certain risk exposures.

Treasury policies have been approved by the Board for managing each of these risks including levels of authority 
on the type and use of financial instruments. Transactions are only undertaken if they relate to underlying exposures. 
The treasury function reports regularly to the Audit Committee and treasury operations are subject to periodic reviews. 

Market risk 

a) Currency risk 

The Group operates internationally and is therefore exposed to currency 
risk arising from movements in foreign exchange rates, primarily with 
respect to the US dollar and the Euro. Foreign exchange risk arises from: 
differences in the dates commercial transactions are entered into and 
the date they are settled; recognised assets and liabilities; and, net 
investments in foreign operations. 

The Group’s foreign exchange policy is to hedge material foreign 
currency denominated costs at the time of commitment and to hedge 
a proportion of foreign currency denominated revenues on a rolling 
12-month basis unless a natural hedge exists. 

The Group ensures that its net exposure to foreign denominated cash 
balances is kept to an acceptable level by buying or selling foreign 
currencies at spot rates when necessary to address short-term 
imbalances. 

The Euro denominated interest and principal payments under the 
€54 million and €188 million bonds have been fully hedged by 
cross-currency interest rate swaps. 

The Group’s investments in subsidiaries are not hedged as those currency 
positions are considered to be long term in nature. 

At 31 December 2010, if sterling had weakened/strengthened by 10% 
against the US dollar with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit 
for the year would have been £2 million (2009: £2 million) higher/lower. 
Equity would have been £13 million (2009: £13 million) higher/lower. 

At 31 December 2010, if sterling had weakened/strengthened by 10% 
against the Euro with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for 
the year would have been £3 million (2009: £3 million) higher/lower. 
Equity would have been £2 million (2009: £2 million) higher/lower. 

b) Price risk 

The Group is not exposed to any material price risk. 

c) Interest rate risk 

Interest rate risk is the risk that the Group is impacted by significant 
changes in interest rates. Borrowings issued at or swapped to floating 
rates expose the Group to interest rate risk. 

The Group’s interest rate policy is to have between 40% and 60% of its 
borrowings held at fixed rates over the medium term in order to provide 
a balance between certainty of cost and benefit from lower floating 
rates. The Group uses interest rate swaps and options in order to achieve 
the desired mix between fixed and floating rates. 

All of the Group’s interest rate swaps are classified as fair value through 
profit or loss so any movement in the fair value goes through the income 
statement rather than equity.  

At 31 December 2010, if interest rates had increased/decreased by 0.1%, 
post-tax profit for the year would have been £2 million (2009: £1 million) 
lower/higher.  

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or 
counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations. It arises principally from the Group’s receivables from 
customers, cash and held to maturity investments. There is also credit 
risk relating to the Group’s own credit rating as this impacts the 
availability and cost of future finance. 

a) Trade and other receivables  
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual 
characteristics of each customer. The majority of trade receivables relate 
to airtime sales contracts with advertising agencies and advertisers. 
Credit insurance has been taken out against these companies to 
minimise the impact on the Group in the event of a possible default. 

b) Cash and held to maturity investments 

The Group operates strict investment guidelines with respect to surplus 
cash and the emphasis is on preservation of capital. Counterparty limits 
for cash deposits are largely based upon long-term ratings published by 
the major credit rating agencies and perceived state support. Deposits 
longer than six months require the approval of the General Purpose 
Committee. 

c) Borrowings 

ITV’s credit ratings with Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investor 
Service are B+/Ba3 respectively and are ‘sub-investment grade’ with 
both agencies. The combination of ITV’s lower credit rating and the 
deterioration in credit conditions adversely impacts the availability and 
costs of future finance. 

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its 
financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s financing policy is to 
fund itself for the long term by using debt instruments with a range of 
maturities. It is substantially funded from the UK and European capital 
markets and it has a bilateral bank facility.  

Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity reserve 
(comprising undrawn bank facilities and cash and cash equivalents) on 
the basis of expected cash flows. This monitoring includes financial ratios 
to assess possible future credit ratings and headroom and takes into 
account the accessibility of cash and cash equivalents.  

At 31 December 2010 the Group has available £125 million (2009: 
£75 million) of undrawn committed facilities. The £125 million facility 
is provided by one bank and is secured on advertising receivables. 
The facility has no financial covenants and matures in September 2015. 
The facility was renewed during the year resulting in the increased size 
and longer maturity. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
104 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 4 Capital structure and financing costs continued 

The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities and derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the period 
remaining until the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest), 
so will not always reconcile with the amounts disclosed on the statement of financial position: 

At 31 December 2010 
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Borrowings  
Held to maturity investments  
Trade and other payables 
Other payables – non current 
Derivative financial instruments 
Interest rate swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts – fair value through profit or loss 
  Outflows 
Inflows 

At 31 December 2009 
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Borrowings  
Held to maturity investments  
Trade and other payables 
Other payables – non current 
Derivative financial instruments 
Interest rate swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts – fair value through profit or loss 
  Outflows 
Inflows 

Total 
contractual 
cash flows

£m   

(1,812)
231  
(698)
(3) 

Less than 
1 year 
£m   

Between  
1 and 2 years 
£m   

Between 
2 and 5 years 
£m   

(138)
11  
(672)
–  

(90)  
11  
(22)  
(3)  

(899)
33  
(4) 
–  

Over 
5 years
£m 

(685)
176 
– 
– 

142  

74  

9  

50  

9 

(13)
14  
(2,139)

(13) 
14  
(724)

–  
–  
(95)  

–  
–  
(820)

– 
– 
(500)

Total 
contractual 
cash flows

£m   

(2,167)
288   
(677)
(12)  

Less than 
1 year 

£m   

Between  
1 and 2 years 

Between 
2 and 5 years 

£m   

£m   

Over 
5 years
£m 

(108)
15   
(646)
– 

(215)   
15   
(23)   
(10)   

(639)
45   
(8)  
(2)  

(1,205)
213 
– 
– 

165   

13   

79   

64   

9 

(77)
77   
(2,403)

(61)
61   
(726)

(16)  
16   
(154)   

–   
–   
(540)

– 
– 
(983)

Held to maturity investments are included within the table above because the £138 million March 2019 gilts are used as security against the 
£200 million 2019 loan, and the net repayment in 2019 is £62 million.

 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
105

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
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Governance
Financial statements

4.6 Fair value hierarchy 

The financial instruments included on the ITV statement of financial position are measured at either fair value 
or amortised cost. The measurement of this fair value can in some cases be subjective, and can depend on the inputs 
used in the calculations. ITV generally uses external valuations using market inputs or market values (e.g. external share 
prices) and does not calculate its own fair values. The different valuation methods are called ‘hierarchies’ and are 
described below.

The table below sets out the financial instruments included on the ITV statement of financial position at ‘fair value’. 

Assets measured at fair value 
Available for sale financial instruments 
  STV shares 
  Available for sale gilts 
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Interest rate swaps 

Liabilities measured at fair value 
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 

Interest rate swaps 

Assets measured at fair value 
Available for sale financial instruments 
  STV shares 
  Available for sale gilts 
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Interest rate swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts 

Liabilities measured at fair value 
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 

Interest rate swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts 

Fair value  
31 December 
2010  
£m   

Level 1  
31 December 
2010  
£m   

Level 2 
31 December 
2010 
£m   

Level 3 
31 December 
2010
£m 

1  
36  

158  
195  

1  
36  

–  
37  

–  
–  

158  
158  

– 
– 

– 
– 

Fair value  
31 December 
2010  
£m   

Level 1  
31 December 
2010  
£m   

Level 2 
31 December 
2010 
£m   

Level 3 
31 December 
2010
£m 

(42)  
(42)  

–  
–  

(42) 
(42) 

– 
– 

Fair value  
31 December 
2009  
£m   

Level 1  
31 December 
2009  
£m   

Level 2 
31 December 
2009 
£m   

Level 3 
31 December 
2009
£m 

1  
34  

154  
2  
191  

1  
34  

–  
–  
35  

–  
–  

154  
2  
156  

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

Fair value  
31 December 
2009  
£m   

Level 1  
31 December 
2009  
£m   

Level 2 
31 December 
2009 
£m   

Level 3 
31 December 
2009
£m 

(33)  
(1)  
(34)  

–  
–  
–  

(33) 
(1) 
(34) 

– 
– 
– 

Level 1 

Fair values measured using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

Level 2 

Fair values measured using inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly 
or indirectly. 

Interest rate swaps and options are accounted for at their fair value based upon termination prices. Forward foreign exchange contracts are accounted 
for at the difference between the contract exchange rate and the quoted forward exchange rate at the reporting date. 

Level 3 

Fair values measured using inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
106 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 4 Capital structure and financing costs continued 

4.7 Equity 

This section explains material movements recorded in shareholders equity that are not explained elsewhere in the financial 
statements. The movements in equity and the balance at 31 December 2010 are presented in the consolidated statement 
of changes in equity. 

The Group utilises share award schemes as part of its employee remuneration packages. The various ITV Share-based 
compensation schemes are explained in this section as they are accounted for through retained losses. 

Accounting policies 

Available for sale reserve 
Available for sale assets are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or 
loss recognised directly in the available for sale reserve in equity, unless 
the loss is a permanent impairment, when it is then recorded in the 
income statement. 

Dividends 

Dividends are recognised through equity on the earlier of their approval 
by the Company’s shareholders or their payment. 

Share-based compensation 
The Group operates a number of share-based compensation schemes. 
The fair value of the equity instrument granted is measured at grant 
date and spread over the vesting period via a charge to the income 
statement with a corresponding increase in equity.  

The fair value of the share options and awards is measured using 
either a Monte Carlo or Black-Scholes model, as appropriate, taking into 
account the terms and conditions of the individual scheme. Under 
these valuation methods, the share price for ITV plc is projected to the 
end of the performance period as is the Total Shareholder Return for 
ITV plc and the companies in the comparator groups. Based on these 
projections, the number of awards that will vest and their present value 
is determined.  

The valuation of these share-based payments also requires estimates 
to be made in respect of the number of options that are expected to 
be exercised. 

Vesting conditions are limited to service conditions and performance 
conditions. Conditions other than service or performance conditions are 
considered non-vesting conditions. Non-market vesting conditions are 
included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected 
to vest. At each reporting date, the Group revises its estimates of the 
number of options that are expected to vest. It recognises the impact of 
the revision to original estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a 
corresponding adjustment to equity. 

4.7.1 Share capital and share premium 

The Group’s share capital at 31 December 2010 of £389 million (2009: 
£389 million) and share premium of £120 million (2009: £120 million) 
is the same as that of ITV plc. Details of this are given in the ITV plc 
Company financial statements section of this annual report.    

4.7.2 Merger and other reserves 
Merger and other reserves at 31 December 2010 include merger reserves 
arising on the Granada/Carlton and previous mergers of £119 million 
(2009: £119 million), capital reserves of £112 million (2009: £112 million), 
capital redemption reserves of £36 million (2009: £36 million), 
revaluation reserves of £6 million (2009: £6 million) and £31 million 
(2009: £35 million) in respect of the equity element of the 2016 
convertible bond. 

4.7.3 Translation reserve 

The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences 
arising on the translation of the accounts of, and investments in, 
foreign operations.  

4.7.4 Available for sale reserve 

The available for sale reserve comprises all movements arising on the 
revaluation and disposal of assets accounted for as available for sale. 

4.7.5 Retained losses 
The retained losses reserve comprises of profit for the year attributable 
to owners of the company of £269 million (2009: £91 million) and other 
items recognised directly through equity as presented on the 
consolidated statement of changes in equity. 

4.7.6 Non-controlling interests 

In 2010 £1 million of profit was attributable to non-controlling interests. 

The £7 million movement in 2009 was £3 million profit attributable to 
non-controlling interests, net of £2 million for dividends paid to such 
interests and £8 million in respect of the 25% non-controlling interest 
element in GMTV purchased in November 2009. 

4.7.7 Share-based compensation 

A transaction will be classed as a share-based transaction where the 
Group receives services from employees and pays for these in shares or 
similar equity instruments. If the Group incurs a liability whose amount 
is based on the price or value of the Group’s shares then this will also fall 
under a share-based transaction. 

The Group operates a number of share-based compensation schemes. 
A description of each type of share-based payment arrangement that 
existed at any time during the period, including the general terms and 
conditions of each arrangement, such as vesting requirements, the 
maximum term of options granted, and the method of settlement 
(e.g. whether in cash or equity) are set out in the Remuneration report. 

Exercises of share options granted to employees can be satisfied by 
market purchase or issue of new shares. No new shares may be issued 
to satisfy exercises under the terms of the Deferred Share Award Plan. 
During the year all exercises were satisfied by using shares purchased in 
the market and held in the ITV Employees’ Benefit Trust rather than by 
issuing new shares. 

Share-based compensation charges totalled £8 million in 2010 (2009: 
£11 million). 

 
 
 
 
107

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

The table below summarises the movements in the number of share options outstanding for the Group and their weighted average exercise price: 

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted during the year – nil priced 
Granted during the year – other 
Forfeited during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Expired during the year 
Outstanding at 31 December 

Exercisable at 31 December 

2010   

Weighted 
average  
exercise price  
(pence)   
63.94  
–  
42.90  
21.63  
1.79  
121.42  
22.32  

Number  
of options 
 (’000)   
101,989  
25,792  
3,438  
(6,311)  
(8,141)  
(39,465)  
77,302  

2009 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
 (pence) 
71.88 
– 
28.60 
39.23 
– 
52.19 
63.94 

Number 
of options
 (’000) 
116,454 
26,821 
13,498 
(12,794)
(8,772)
(33,218)
101,989 

8,767  

121.61  

33,694 

160.42 

For those options exercised in the year, the average share price during 2010 was 59.99 pence (2009: 38.37 pence). 

Of the options still outstanding, the range of exercise prices and weighted average remaining contractual life of these options can be analysed 
as follows: 

Range of exercise prices (pence) 
Nil 
20.00 – 49.99 
50.00 – 69.99 
70.00 – 99.99 
100.00 – 109.99 
110.00 – 119.99 
120.00 – 149.99 
200.00 – 249.99 
250.00 – 299.99 
300.00 – 385.99 

Share schemes  
Full details of the ITV share plans and awards can be found in the 
Remuneration report. 

Awards made under the ITV Commitment Scheme, Granada Media 
and Granada Commitment schemes, the Granada Media, Granada 
and Carlton Executive Share Option schemes, the Carlton Equity 
Participation Plan, the Carlton Deferred Annual Bonus Plan and the 
Granada Save As You Earn (SAYE) have all reached the end of their 
various performance periods, and have vested or lapsed accordingly. 
Details of the performance criteria that applied to these awards have 
been detailed in the notes to previous financial statements, and in 
previous remuneration reports and have not been repeated in these  

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
(pence)   
–  
31.56  
54.69  
85.03  
105.99  
112.30  
136.40  
–  
280.00  
–  

2010   

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contractual life 
(years)   
2.54  
2.83  
1.62  
1.03  
1.44  
0.94  
0.90  
–  
0.05  
–  

Number 
of options 
 (’000)   
50,161  
15,238  
3,643  
1,046  
1,878  
2,183  
2,584  
–  
569  
–  

Weighted 
average  
exercise price 
(pence) 
– 
28.60 
55.40 
84.75 
101.90 
114.14 
137.33 
217.78 
270.09 
385.31 

2009 

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contractual life 
(years) 
3.23 
3.71 
2.58 
1.99 
1.04 
4.22 
1.87 
0.98 
0.54 
0.40 

Number 
of options 
 (’000) 
47,851 
13,326 
5,377 
1,462 
11,321 
6,787 
3,401 
1,035 
11,337 
91 

financial statements on the grounds of relevance. The ITV SAYE scheme 
is an Inland Revenue Approved SAYE scheme. Although awards remain 
vested but unexercised under these Plans, they are not considered 
material for the purposes of disclosure in this note. 

The awards made under the ITV Performance Share Plan and the ITV 
Turnaround Plan all have market based performance conditions that are 
taken into account in the fair value calculation using a Monte-Carlo 
pricing model. The Black-Scholes model is used to value the SAYE 
Schemes as these do not have any market performance conditions. 

Assumptions made relating to grants of share options during 2010 and 
2009 are as follows:

Scheme name 
Save As You Earn 
ITV – three year 
ITV – five year 
ITV – three year 
ITV – five year 
Performance Share Plan  
ITV – three year 
ITV – three year 
ITV – three year 
Nil-Cost Options award under deed 
ITV – three year 

Date of 
grant 

Share price at 
grant 
(pence) 

17-Jul-09 
17-Jul-09 
01-Apr-10 
01-Apr-10 

01-Jun-09 
26-Mar-10 
03-Aug-10 

35.00 
35.00 
62.95 
62.95 

40.00 
58.70 
51.60 

26-Apr-10 

69.40 

Exercise 
price
(pence) 

28.60 
28.60 
42.90 
42.90 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Expected 
volatility

 %   

Expected  
life  
(years) 

Gross dividend 
yield  
%  

Risk 
free rate 
% 

53.00%  
43.00%  
56.00%  
45.00%  

53.00%  
56.00%  
57.00%  

3.25 
5.25 
3.25 
5.25 

3.00 
3.00 
3.00 

56.00%  

3.00 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

2.40% 
3.10% 
1.97% 
2.89% 

2.10% 
1.88% 
1.42% 

Fair 
value
 (pence) 

17.00 
18.00 
21.45 
22.75 

30.20 
39.55 
34.15 

2.00% 

50.35 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
108 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 4 Capital structure and financing costs continued 

The expected volatility for awards made in 2010 reflects the historic 
volatility of ITV plc’s share price and equity markets as a whole over the 
preceding three or five years, and depending on the expected life of the 
award, prior to the grant date of the share options awarded.  

Employees’ Benefit Trust 

The Group has investments in its own shares as a result of shares 
purchased by the ITV Employees’ Benefit Trust (‘EBT’). Transactions 
with the Group-sponsored EBT are included in these financial statements. 
In particular, the EBT’s purchases of shares in ITV plc are debited directly 
to equity. 

The table below shows the number of ITV plc shares held in the trust at 
31 December 2010 and the purchases/(releases) from the EBT made in 
the year to satisfy awards under the Group’s share schemes. 

Shares held at: 
1 January 2010 

Number of shares 
(released)/purchased   
3,528,761  

Nominal value 
£   
352,876  

(6,776,765)  

(677,677)  

(984,401)  
(377,507)  

(98,440)  
(37,751)  

(113,406)  
7,037,274  
2,313,956  

(11,340)  
703,727  
231,395  

31 December 2010  

Scheme 

ITV Deferred Share 
Award Plan 
Granada 
Commitment 
Scheme 
ITV SAYE Scheme 
Employee 
Share Award 
Shares purchased 

The total number of shares held by the EBT at 31 December 2010 
represents 0.06% (2009: 0.09%) of ITV’s issued share capital. The market 
value of own shares held is £2 million (2009: £2 million).  

The shares will be held in the EBT until such time as they may be 
transferred to participants of the various Group share schemes. Rights to 
dividends have been waived by the EBT in respect of shares held which 
do not relate to restricted shares under the Deferred Share Award Plan. 
In accordance with the Trust Deed, the Trustees of the EBT have the 
power to exercise all voting rights in relation to any investment (including 
shares) held within that trust. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 5 Other notes 

5.1 Related party transactions 

109

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

The related parties identified by the directors include joint ventures, associated undertakings, investments and key 
management personnel.

To enable users of our financial statements to form a view about the effects of related party relationships on the Group, 
we disclose the related party relationship when control exists, irrespective of whether there have been transactions 
between the related parties. 

Amounts paid to the Group’s retirement benefit plans are set out in 
note 3.6. During the year the Group and the Trustee of the main section 
of the ITV Pension Scheme concluded a partnership, backed by SDN. 
The full details of this arrangement are set out in note 3.6 and the 
Financial and performance review. 

Transactions with key management personnel 

Key management consists of ITV plc executive and non-executive 
directors and the ITV Management Board. Key management personnel 
compensation is as follows:  

Short-term employee benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Termination benefits 
Share-based compensation 

2010 
£m 
8 
1 
2 
4 
15 

2009 
£m 
10 
1 
2 
5 
18 

Related party transactions  

Transactions with joint ventures and associated undertakings  

Transactions with joint ventures and associated undertakings during the 
year were: 

Sales to joint ventures 
Sales to associated undertakings 
Purchases from joint ventures 
Purchases from associated undertakings 

2010
£m 
13 
2 
21 
50 

2009 
£m 
4 
2 
13 
46 

The transactions with joint ventures primarily relate to sales and 
purchased of digital multiplex services with Digital 3&4 Limited.  

The purchases from associated undertakings relate to the purchase of 
news services from ITN. All transactions with associated undertakings 
and joint ventures arise in the normal course of business on an arms-
length basis. None of the balances are secured. 

The amounts owed by and to these related parties at the year-end were: 

Amounts owed by joint ventures 
Amounts owed by associated undertakings 
Amounts owed by pension scheme 
Amounts owed to joint ventures 
Amounts owed to associated undertakings 

2010 
£m 
1 
8 
1 
1 
– 

2009 
£m 
25 
4 
1 
1 
1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
110 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Section 5 Other notes continued 

Principal joint ventures, associated undertakings and investments  

The Company indirectly held at 31 December 2010 the following holdings in significant joint ventures, associated undertakings and investments: 

Name 
Crackit Productions Limited 

Freesat (UK) Limited 

Independent Television News Limited 

ISAN UK Limited 
Mammoth Screen Limited 
Screenvision Holdings (Europe) Limited(1) 
STV Group plc(2) 
Digital 3&4 Limited 
YouView TV Limited 

(1)   Classified as an Asset Held for Sale. 
(2)  

Incorporated and registered in Scotland. 

5.2 Contingent liabilities 

Interest in 
ordinary share 
capital 2010 
% 
25.00 

Interest in 
ordinary share 
capital 2009 
% 
25.00 

Note 
a 

b 

a 

a 
a 
b 
c 
b 
b 

50.00 

50.00 

40.00 

40.00 

25.00 
25.00 
50.00 
6.91 
50.00 
14.30 

25.00 
25.00 
50.00 
7.36 
50.00 
– 

a 
b 
c 

Associated undertaking. 
Joint venture. 
Available for sale financial asset.  

Principal activity 
Production of television programmes 
Provision of a standard and high definition 
enabled digital satellite proposition 
Supply of news services to broadcasters 
in the UK and elsewhere 
Operates voluntary numbering system for the
 identification of audiovisual works 
Production of television programmes 
European cinema advertising 
Television broadcasting in central and north Scotland 
Operates the Channel 3 and 4 digital terrestrial multiplex 
Internet connected television platform 

A contingent liability is a liability that is not sufficiently certain to qualify for recognition as a provision where uncertainty 
may exist regarding the outcome of future events.

There has been a disagreement between the Group, STV Group plc and 
the two licence holding subsidiaries, STV Central and STV North, as to the 
amounts of money due and payable to the Group. A legal claim, based 
upon the balances outstanding at 30 April 2009, for approximately 
£38 million in respect of outstanding invoices, was filed on 22 September 
2009 and Particulars of Claim were served on 24 September 2009. 
Since then STV has admitted over £37 million in full satisfaction of the 
Group’s claim. 

The Group recognises that certain amounts are due to STV and these 
and other amounts are the subject of a counterclaim served by STV on 
13 November 2009. Prior to the litigation, the Group and STV have come 
to an arrangement whereby amounts owed to each other will be set off, 
although until the current litigation is resolved, that amount cannot be 
accurately identified. For the period after 30 April 2009, the Group and 
STV have agreed to operate a monthly payment on account scheme so 
that the operations may continue effectively. 

In a separate action STV Central and STV North issued proceedings on 
16 November 2009 against ITV Network and other Group companies in 
relation to the exploitation of new media rights in the UK. Through the 
proceedings STV Central and STV North seek an injunction to prevent the 
ITV Network from entering into any UK wide deals involving new media 
rights and seek declarations in relation to how the rights are owned and 
may be exploited. The Group rejects this claim and intends to defend it 
robustly. No provision has been made in these financial statements for 
this claim. 

On 24 February 2010, STV issued a letter alleging that the Group has 
acted with unfair prejudice against the interests of STV and that ITV 
Network is in breach of its fiduciary duties to STV. ITV Network rejects 
these allegations and will vigorously defend any claim that is brought. 

There are other contingent liabilities in respect of certain litigation and 
guarantees, and in respect of warranties given in connection with certain 
disposals of businesses. None of these items are expected to have a 
material affect on the Group’s results or financial position.

5.3 Subsequent events  

Where the Group receives information in the period between 31 December 2010 and the date of this report about 
conditions related to certain events that existed at the year-end, we update our disclosures that relate to those conditions 
in light of the new information. Such events can be categorised as adjusting or non-adjusting depending on whether 
the condition existed in 2010. If non-adjusting events after the year-end are material, non-disclosure could influence the 
economic decisions that users make on the basis of the financial statements. 

Accordingly, for each material category of non-adjusting event after the reporting period we disclose in this section the 
nature of the event and an estimate of its financial effect, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made.

There are no subsequent events.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITV plc Company Financial Statements 

Company balance sheet 

At 31 December: 
Fixed assets: 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings 
Held to maturity investments 
Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets: 
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits 

Creditors – amounts falling due within one year: 
Borrowings 
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings 
Accruals and deferred income 

Net current (liabilities)/assets 
Total assets less current liabilities 
Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year: 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 

Net assets 
Capital and reserves: 
Called up share capital 
Share premium 
Other reserves 
Profit and loss account 
Shareholders’ funds – equity 

111

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

Note 

iii 

iv 

iv 

v 
vi 
vi 
vi 

2010 
£m   

2010 
£m 

2009
£m 

2009
£m 

1,646 
148 
89 
1,883 

1,671 
149 
151 
1,971 

9  
67  
33  
109  

(47)  
(111)  
(16)  
(174)  

173 
– 
146 
319 

– 
(173)
(21)
(194)

(65) 
1,818 

(1,171) 
(39) 
(1,210) 
608 

389 
120 
67 
32 
608 

125 
2,096 

(1,366)
(29)
(1,395)
701 

389 
120 
71 
121 
701 

The accounts were approved by the Board of directors on 2 March 2011 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Ian Griffiths 
Director 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
112 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Notes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements 

i Accounting policies 

Basis of preparation 

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with UK Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP). 

As permitted by section 408 (3) of the Companies Act 2006, a separate 
profit and loss account, dealing with the results of the parent company, 
has not been presented. 

Under FRS 29 the Company is exempt from the requirement to 
provide its own financial instruments disclosures, on the grounds that 
it is included in publicly available consolidated financial statements 
which include disclosures that comply with the IFRS equivalent to 
that standard. 

Third party valuations are used to fair value the Company’s derivatives. 
The valuation techniques use inputs such as interest rate yield curves 
and currency prices/yields, volatilities of underlying instruments and 
correlations between inputs. 

Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the 
variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability, or a highly 
probable forecast transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss 
on the derivative financial instrument is recognised directly in equity. 
Any ineffective portion of the hedge is recognised immediately in the 
profit and loss account. 

For financial assets and liabilities classified at fair value through 
profit or loss the fair value change and interest income/expense are 
not separated. 

Subsidiaries 

Dividends 

Subsidiaries are entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by the 
Company. Control exists where the Company has the power to govern 
the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits 
from its activities. The investment in the Company’s subsidiaries is 
recorded at cost, adjusted for the effect of the adoption of UITF 41. 
Annual FRS 20 share-based payment compensation costs are recharged 
to the subsidiaries through the profit and loss account. 

Foreign currency transactions 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate 
of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency 
monetary assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are translated 
into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at that date. Foreign 
exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the profit 
and loss account. Non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at 
historical cost are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange on 
the date of the transaction. 

Borrowings 

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value including directly 
attributable transaction costs, with subsequent measurement at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. The difference 
between initial fair value and the redemption value is recorded in the 
profit and loss account over the period of the liability on an effective 
interest basis. 

Derivatives and other financial instruments 

The Company uses a limited number of derivative financial instruments 
to hedge its exposure to fluctuations in interest and other foreign 
exchange rates. The Company does not hold or issue derivative 
instruments for speculative purposes. 

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value and 
are subsequently remeasured at fair value with the movement recorded 
in the profit and loss account within net financing costs. Derivatives 
with a positive fair value are recorded as assets and negative fair values 
as liabilities. 

The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is determined by 
using the difference between the contract exchange rate and the 
quoted forward exchange rate at the balance sheet date. The fair value 
of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Company would 
receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet date, taking 
into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of 
swap counterparties. 

Dividends are recognised through equity on the earlier of their approval 
by the Company’s shareholders or their payment. 

ii Employees 

Four (2009: four) directors of ITV plc were employees of the Company 
during the year, two of which remain at year end. The costs relating to 
these directors are disclosed in the Remuneration report. 

iii Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

The principal subsidiary undertakings are listed in note ix. 
The movements during 2010 were as follows: 

At 1 January 2010 
Disposal of Friends Reunited 
At 31 December 2010 

£m 
1,671 
(25)
1,646 

The Company disposed of its 100% interest in Friends Reunited Holdings 
Limited on 25 March 2010 to Brightsolid Online Innovation Limited 
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of D.C. Thompson Limited) for a cash 
consideration of £27 million. The sale resulted in no material gain 
or loss on disposal in 2010. 

iv Borrowings 

Current loans and loan notes due within one year 

Loans repayable in one year or less as at 31 December 2010 comprise 
an unsecured €54 million Eurobond (£47 million) which has a coupon of 
6.0% and matures in October 2011.  

Loan repayable after more than one year 

Loans repayable after more than one year as at 31 December 2010 
includes an unsecured £110 million Eurobond which has a coupon of 
three-month sterling LIBOR plus 2.7% and matures in March 2013, an 
unsecured €188 million Eurobond (£126 million net of cross-currency 
swaps) which has a coupon of 10.0% and matures in June 2014 and an 
unsecured £383 million Eurobond which has a coupon of 5.375% and 
matures in October 2015. Maturing in November 2016 is an unsecured 
£135 million convertible Eurobond which has a coupon of 4.0%. 
An unsecured £250 million Eurobond which has a coupon of 7.375% and 
matures in January 2017 and an unsecured bank loan for £200 million 
which has a coupon of 6.75% until March 2012 and a variable rate 
thereafter which matures in March 2019.  

 
 
 
113

Overview
Strategy & operations
Performance & financials
Responsibility
Governance
Financial statements

v Called up share capital   

Ordinary shares of 10 pence each 
Authorised: 
8,000,000,000 (2009: 8,000,000,000) 
Allotted, issued and fully paid: 
3,889,129,751 (2009: 3,889,129,751) 
Total 

Authorised   

Allotted, issued 
and fully paid 

2010 
£m   

2009 
£m   

2010
£m 

2009
£m 

800  

800  

800  

800  

389 
389 

389 
389 

The Company’s ordinary shares give shareholders equal rights to vote, 
receive dividends and to the repayment of capital. There have been no 
issued ordinary share capital movements during the period. 

vi Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds 

At 1 January 2010 
Retained loss for year for 
equity shareholders 
Share-based compensation 
Equity portion of the 
convertible bond 
At 31 December 2010 

Share 
capital 
£m   
389  

Share 
premium 
£m   
120  

Other 
reserves 
£m   
71  

Profit 
and loss 
account

£m   
121  

Total
£m 
701 

–  
–  

–  
–  

–   
–  

(101)
8  

(101)
8 

–  
389  

–   
120  

(4)  
67  

4  
32  

– 
608 

The loss after tax for the year dealt with in the accounts of ITV plc is 
£101 million (year ended 31 December 2009: profit of £67 million). 

On 17 February 2011 the Company received a dividend of £75 million 
from its subsidiary Carlton Communications Limited, resulting in an 
increase in profit and loss reserves. 

vii Contingent liabilities 
Under a group registration, the Company is jointly and severally liable 
for VAT at 31 December 2010 of £39 million (31 December 2009: 
£25 million). The Company has guaranteed certain finance and 
operating lease obligations of subsidiary undertakings. 

There are contingent liabilities in respect of certain litigation and 
guarantees and in respect of warranties given in connection with 
certain disposals of businesses and in respect of certain trading and 
other obligations of certain subsidiaries. 

Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to 
guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its Group, the 
Company considers these to be insurance arrangements, and accounts 
for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee 
contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable 
that the Company will be required to make a payment under the 
guarantee. 

viii Capital and other commitments 

There are no capital commitments at 31 December 2010 (2009: none). 

ix Related party transactions 

Transactions with key management personnel 

Key management consists of ITV plc executive directors. 
Key management personnel compensation is as follows:  

Short-term employee benefits 
Termination benefits 
Share-based compensation 

2010 
£m 
3 
1 
2 
6 

2009 
£m 
5 
– 
3 
8 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
114 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Notes to the ITV plc Company Financial Statements continued 

x Principal subsidiary undertakings and investments 

Principal subsidiary undertakings 

The principal subsidiary undertakings of the Company at 31 December 2010, all of which are wholly-owned (directly or indirectly) and incorporated 
and registered in England and Wales except where stated, are: 

Name 
12 Yard Productions (Investments) Limited 
3sixtymedia Limited(1) 
Carlton Communications Limited 
ITV Breakfast Limited (previously GMTV Limited) 
Granada Limited 
Granada Ventures Limited 
ITV Broadcasting Limited 
ITV Consumer Limited 
ITV Digital Channels Limited 
ITV Global Entertainment Limited 
ITV Network Limited(2) 
ITV Services Limited 
ITV Studios Limited 
ITV2 Limited 
SDN Limited 
Granada Media Australia Pty Limited(3) 
Granada Produktion für Film und Fernsehen GmbH(4) 
Imago TV Film und Fernsehproduktion GmbH(4, 5) 
ITV Global Entertainment, Inc(6) 
ITV Studios, Inc. (formerly Granada Entertainment USA)(6) 
ITV Scottish Limited Partnership(7) 

Principal activity 
Production of television programmes 
Supplier of facilities for television productions 
Holding company 
Production and broadcast of breakfast time television under national Channel 3 licence 
Holding company 
Production and distribution of video and DVD products 
Broadcast of television programmes 
Development of platforms, broadband, transactional and mobile services 
Operation of digital television channels 
Rights ownership and distribution of television programmes and films 
Scheduling and commissioning television programmes 
Provision of services for other companies within the Group 
Production of television programmes 
Operation of digital television channels 
Operation of Freeview Multiplex A 
Production of television programmes 
Production of television programmes 
Production of television programmes 
Distribution of television programmes 
Production of television programmes 
Holding company 

Interest in company limited by guarantee. 
Incorporated and registered in Australia. 
Incorporated and registered in Germany. 

(1)   80% owned. 
(2) 
(3)  
(4)  
(5)   67.72% owned. 
(6)  

Incorporated and registered in the USA. 

(7)   99.9% owned SPE partnership with the remaining interest held by the ITV pension scheme. Fully consolidated in the Group 
accounts. Incorporated and registered in Scotland holding the ownership interest in SDN. The Group has taken advantage 
of the exemption conferred by Regulation 7 of the Partnership (Accounts) Regulations 2008 and has, therefore, not 
appended the accounts of this qualifying partnership to these accounts. Separate accounts for the partnership are not 
required to be, and have not been filed at Companies House. 

A list of all subsidiary undertakings will be included in the Company’s annual return to Companies House. 

Principal joint ventures, associated undertakings and investments 

The Company indirectly held at 31 December 2010 the following holdings in significant joint ventures, associated undertakings and investments:  

Interest in
ordinary
share capital
2010
% 
25.00 
50.00 

Interest in 
ordinary
share capital
2009
% 
25.00 
50.00 

40.00 
25.00 

25.00 
50.00 
6.91 
50.00 
14.30 

40.00 
25.00 

25.00 
50.00 
7.36 
50.00 
– 

Note 
a 
b 

a 
a 

a 
b 
c 
b 
b 

a 
b 
c 

Associated undertaking. 
Joint venture. 
Available for sale financial asset. 

Name 
Crackit Productions Limited 
Freesat (UK) Limited 

Independent Television News Limited 
ISAN UK Limited 

Mammoth Screen Limited 
Screenvision Holdings (Europe) Limited(1) 
STV Group plc(2) 
Digital 3&4 Limited 
YouView TV Limited 

(1)   Classified as an Asset Held for Sale. 
(2)  

Incorporated and registered in Scotland. 

xi Post balance sheet events 

There are no post balance sheet events. 

Principal activity 
Production of television programmes 
Provision of a standard and high definition enabled digital 
satellite proposition 
Supply of news services to broadcasters in the UK and elsewhere 
Operates voluntary numbering system for the identification 
of audiovisual works 
Production of television programmes 
European cinema advertising 
Television broadcasting in central and north Scotland 
Operates the Channel 3 and 4 digital terrestrial multiplex 
Internet connected television platform 

 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information 

Shareholder profile 

Type of holder: 
Banks and nominee companies 
Individuals 
Others 
Totals 
Size of holding: 
1 – 100 
101 – 200 
201 – 500 
501 – 1,000 
1,001 – 2,000 
2,001 – 5,000 
5,001 – 10,000 
10,001 – 50,000 
50,001 – 100,000 
100,001 – 500,000 
500,001 – 1,000,000 
1,000,001 – 5,000,000 
5,000,001 – 10,000,000 
10,000,001 – 50,000,000 
50,000,001 and above 
Totals 

Information as at 31 December 2010. 

Holders 
Number 

Shares held
Millions 

% 

% 

2,412 
66,999 
409 

3.45  3,659.54 
95.96  151.63 
0.59 
77.95 
  100.00 

94.09 
3.90 
2.01 
  100.00 

9,813 
9,194 
19,527 
11,757 
9,279 
6,091 
1,995 
1,329 
161 
280 
102 
178 
47 
51 
16 

0.36 
14.05 
1.38 
13.17 
6.16 
27.97 
8.66 
16.84 
13.37 
13.30 
18.97 
8.72 
14.34 
2.86 
26.28 
1.90 
11.54 
0.23 
67.93 
0.40 
0.15 
71.64 
0.25  423.62 
0.07  326.67 
0.07  1,098.94 
0.02  1,799.25 

0.01 
0.04 
0.16 
0.22 
0.34 
0.49 
0.37 
0.67 
0.30 
1.75 
1.84 
10.89 
8.40 
28.26 
46.26 
  100.00 

  100.00 

Registrars and transfer office 

All administrative enquiries relating to shareholdings and requests to 
receive corporate documents should, in the first instance, be directed 
to Capita Registrars, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham 
BR3 4TU. 

0871 664 0300 (calls cost 10 pence per minute plus network charges) 
from the UK and +44 20 8639 3399 from outside the UK. Lines are open 
Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. 

Alternatively you could email them at: ssd@capitaregistrars.com 

Shareholders who receive duplicate sets of company mailings because 
they have multiple accounts should write to Capita to have the 
accounts amalgamated. 

By logging on to www.capitashareportal.com shareholders can benefit 
from a number of online services as follows: 
–  Cast your proxy vote online; 
–  Elect to receive shareholder communication electronically; 
–  View your holding balance, indicative share price and valuation; 
–  View transactions on your holding and dividend payments you 

have received; 

–  Update your address or register a bank mandate instruction to have 

dividends paid directly to your bank account; 

–  Access a wide range of shareholder information including 

downloadable forms. 

You will need your investor code (IVC) which can be found on your share 
certificate(s) to register to use the Shareholder Portal. 

115

Share dealing services 
The Company’s shares can be traded through most banks, building 
societies and stockbrokers. Additionally, the Company’s registrars offer 
online and telephone dealing for UK resident shareholders through 
Capita IRG Trustees Limited. To use this service shareholders should 
contact Capita: 

0871 664 0364 from the UK (calls cost 10 pence per minute plus 
network charges) or 1 890 946 375 from Ireland. Lines are open 
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 4.30 pm. 

www.capitadeal.com 

ShareGift 

ShareGift is a charity share donation scheme for shareholders who 
may wish to dispose of a small quantity of shares where the market 
value makes it uneconomic to sell on a commission basis. The scheme is 
administered by the Orr Mackintosh Foundation and further information 
can be obtained by contacting them: 

020 7930 3737 

www.sharegift.org 

Share price information 
The current price of ITV plc ordinary shares is available on Ceefax and 
on the Company website at www.itvplc.com. 

The Unclaimed Assets Register 

The Company participates in The Unclaimed Assets Register, which 
provides a search facility for financial assets, which may have been lost 
or forgotten and which donates 10% of its public search fees to a wide 
range of UK charities. For further information and to obtain a search 
request form contact: 

The Unclaimed Assets Register 
PO Box 9501 
Nottingham NG80 1WD 

0870 241 1713 

search@uar.co.uk 

www.uar.co.uk 

Unsolicited mail 
The Company is legally obliged to make its register of members available 
to the public. As a consequence of this some shareholders might receive 
unsolicited mail. Shareholders wishing to limit the amount of such mail 
should write to the Mailing Preference Service (MPS): 

FREEPOST 29 LON20771 
London W1E 0ZT 

Alternatively you can register online or request an application form by 
telephone or by email. MPS will then notify the bodies that support its 
service that you do not wish to receive unsolicited mail. 

0845 703 4599 

mps@dma.org.uk 

www.mpsonline.org.uk 

Registered office 

The London Television Centre 
Upper Ground 
London SE1 9LT 

020 7157 3000 

Company registration number 4967001 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
116 

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010 

Shareholder information continued 

Company website 
Investor and shareholder related information can be found on the 
Company website at: 

www.itvplc.com 

Financial calendar 

Annual General Meeting 
Interim Management Statement 
Half year results announcement 

11 May 2011 
May 2011 
July 2011 

Unauthorised brokers (Boiler Room Scams) 
Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, 
offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. 
These are typically from overseas based brokers who target UK 
shareholders offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless 
or high risk shares in US or UK investments. These operations are 
commonly known as boiler rooms. 

If you receive any unsolicited investment advice: 
–  Make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation. 
–  Check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting 

involved by visiting: 

www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/register 
–  Report the matter to the FSA either by calling 0300 500 5000 or 

by visiting: 

www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk 
–  If the calls persist, hang up. 

If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive 
payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FSA 
can be contacted by completing an online form at: 

www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/doing/regulated/law/alerts/overseas.shtml 

Details of any sharedealing facilities that the Company endorses will 
only be included in company mailings. 

More detailed information can be found on the FSA website: 

www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk 

Identity theft 

Tips for protecting your ITV plc shares: 
–  Ensure all your certificates are kept in a safe place or hold your shares 

electronically in CREST via a nominee. 

–  Keep all correspondence from Capita in a safe place, or destroy 

correspondence by shredding. 

–  If you change address inform Capita in writing or via the 

Shareholder Portal. If you receive a letter from Capita regarding a 
change of address but have not recently moved please contact 
them immediately. 

–  Consider having your dividend paid directly into your bank. This will 
reduce the risk of the cheque being intercepted or lost in the post. 
–  If you change your bank account, inform Capita of the details of your 
new account. You can do this via post or online using the Shareholder 
Portal. Respond to any letters Capita sends you about this. 

–  If you are buying or selling shares only deal with brokers registered 

in your country of residence or the UK. 

Financial record 

Results 
Revenue 
Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) before exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Share of profits or (losses) of joint ventures and associated undertakings 
Investment income  
Exceptional items 
Profit/(loss) before interest and tax 
Net financing costs 
Profit/(loss) before tax 
Taxation 
Profit/(loss) after tax 
Non-controlling interests 
Profit/(loss) for the financial year 
Basic earnings/(loss) per share 
Dividend per share 

Consolidated statement of financial position 
Share capital 
Reserves 
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company 
Non-controlling interests 
Net assets 
Represented by: 
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Investments 
Distribution rights 
Inventory 
Trade and other receivables (including assets held for sale and derivative 
financial instruments) 
Deferred tax asset 
Total assets 
Net debt 
Deferred tax liability 
Other liabilities 
Provisions 

117

2010
£m 

2009 
£m 

2008 
£m 

2007
£m 

2006
£m 

2,064 
408 
(63)
– 
(3)
– 
19 
361 
(75)
286 
(16)
270 
(1)
269 
6.9p 
– 

389 
272 
661 
2 
663 

1,120 
5 
12 
284 

511 
73 
2,005 
(188)
– 
(1,105)
(49)
663 

1,879 
202 
(59) 
– 
(7) 
– 
(20) 
116 
(91) 
25 
69 
94 
(3) 
91 
2.3p 
– 

389 
(44) 
345 
1 
346 

1,191 
6 
16 
388 

565 
50 
2,216 
(612) 
– 
(1,182) 
(76) 
346 

2,029 
211 
(66) 
(2,695) 
(15) 
1 
(108) 
(2,672) 
(60) 
(2,732) 
178 
(2,554) 
(2) 
(2,556) 
(65.9)p 
0.675p 

389 
137 
526 
8 
534 

1,360 
71 
13 
516 

528 
– 
2,488 
(730) 
(55) 
(1,085) 
(84) 
534 

2,082 
311 
(56)
(28)
2 
1 
(9)
221 
(33)
188 
(50)
138 
(1)
137 
3.5p 
3.15p 

389 
2,844 
3,233 
6 
3,239 

4,084 
89 
7 
440 

472 
– 
5,092 
(668)
(75)
(1,079)
(31)
3,239 

2,181 
375 
(56)
(20)
8 
3 
4 
314 
(26)
288 
(66)
222 
(3)
219 
5.5p 
3.15p 

401 
2,755 
3,156 
7 
3,163 

4,088 
103 
11 
400 

548 
– 
5,150 
(734)
(7)
(1,219)
(27)
3,163 

This financial record sets out the balance sheet and results of the Group since its formation following the merger of Granada plc and Carlton 
Communications plc. 

Cash and cash equivalents are included within net debt. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITV today

ITV is the largest commercial 
television network in the UK. 
It operates a family of channels 
including ITV1, and delivers 
content across multiple platforms 
via itv.com and ITV Player. 
ITV Studios produces and sells 
programmes and formats in 
the UK and worldwide.

Broadcasting & Online
ITV content is funded by advertising and 
sponsorship revenues as well as viewer 
competitions and voting. ITV1 is the largest 
commercial channel in the UK. It attracts 
the largest audience of any UK commercial 
broadcaster and has the greatest share of 
the UK television advertising market at 
45.1%. ITV’s digital channels continue to 
grow their audiences and most recently 
saw the launch of high definition (HD) 
versions of ITV1 on Freeview and Sky, 
and ITV2, 3 and 4 on Sky. ITV1+1 also 
recently launched. 

ITV’s broadcast assets include the multiplex 
operator SDN, which continues to grow its 
revenues, and operates one of the six digital 
terrestrial multiplex licences in the UK that 
make up Freeview.

Online, ITV is focused on delivering ITV 
programming across multiple platforms 
including itv.com, video on demand on 
cable television and other ‘closed’ platforms, 
mobile devices and games consoles. itv.com 
includes ITV Player, which allows users to 
access catch-up and watch clips from the 
best ITV programmes. Online revenues are 
primarily sourced from advertising. 

ITV Studios
ITV Studios comprises ITV’s UK production 
operations, ITV’s international production 
companies and ITV Studios Global 
Entertainment.

ITV Studios produces programming for 
ITV’s own channels and for other UK and 
international broadcasters. 

A wide range of programme genres are 
produced, including: drama, soaps, 
entertainment, factual, daytime, arts, 
current affairs, quiz and game shows. 
It has a growing portfolio of international 
production offices around the world, 
including in the US, Germany, Australia, 
Sweden, Spain and France.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment is 
ITV’s international distribution, home 
entertainment, publishing, merchandising 
and licensing business. It has over 35,000 
hours of original and formatted programmes 
that it distributes to broadcasters in 240 
territories worldwide.

Total revenue (including internal)

EBITA before exceptional items

Broadcasting & Online

£1,771m

ITV Studios

£554m

24%

76%

Broadcasting & Online

£327m

ITV Studios

£81m

20%

80%

Financial record 

Results 
Revenue 
Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) before exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Share of profits or (losses) of joint ventures and associated undertakings 
Investment income  
Exceptional items 
Profit/(loss) before interest and tax 
Net financing costs 
Profit/(loss) before tax 
Taxation 
Profit/(loss) after tax 
Non-controlling interests 
Profit/(loss) for the financial year 
Basic earnings/(loss) per share 
Dividend per share 

Consolidated statement of financial position 
Share capital 
Reserves 
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company 
Non-controlling interests 
Net assets 
Represented by: 
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Investments 
Distribution rights 
Inventory 
Trade and other receivables (including assets held for sale and derivative 
financial instruments) 
Deferred tax asset 
Total assets 
Net debt 
Deferred tax liability 
Other liabilities 
Provisions 

117

2010
£m 

2009 
£m 

2008 
£m 

2007
£m 

2006
£m 

2,064 
408 
(63)
– 
(3)
– 
19 
361 
(75)
286 
(16)
270 
(1)
269 
6.9p 
– 

389 
272 
661 
2 
663 

1,120 
5 
12 
284 

511 
73 
2,005 
(188)
– 
(1,105)
(49)
663 

1,879 
202 
(59) 
– 
(7) 
– 
(20) 
116 
(91) 
25 
69 
94 
(3) 
91 
2.3p 
– 

389 
(44) 
345 
1 
346 

1,191 
6 
16 
388 

565 
50 
2,216 
(612) 
– 
(1,182) 
(76) 
346 

2,029 
211 
(66) 
(2,695) 
(15) 
1 
(108) 
(2,672) 
(60) 
(2,732) 
178 
(2,554) 
(2) 
(2,556) 
(65.9)p 
0.675p 

389 
137 
526 
8 
534 

1,360 
71 
13 
516 

528 
– 
2,488 
(730) 
(55) 
(1,085) 
(84) 
534 

2,082 
311 
(56)
(28)
2 
1 
(9)
221 
(33)
188 
(50)
138 
(1)
137 
3.5p 
3.15p 

389 
2,844 
3,233 
6 
3,239 

4,084 
89 
7 
440 

472 
– 
5,092 
(668)
(75)
(1,079)
(31)
3,239 

2,181 
375 
(56)
(20)
8 
3 
4 
314 
(26)
288 
(66)
222 
(3)
219 
5.5p 
3.15p 

401 
2,755 
3,156 
7 
3,163 

4,088 
103 
11 
400 

548 
– 
5,150 
(734)
(7)
(1,219)
(27)
3,163 

This financial record sets out the balance sheet and results of the Group since its formation following the merger of Granada plc and Carlton 
Communications plc. 

Cash and cash equivalents are included within net debt. 

ITV’s Directors’ report 
The Directors’ report explains in detail how we have 
performed this year and sets out a fair review of the 
business, a balanced and comprehensive analysis of our 
performance, the use of financial and non-financial key 
performance indicators to explain how much progress 
we have made, a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Company, and an indication  
of likely future developments.

The Directors’ report is prepared in line with the relevant 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006. In preparing the 
Directors’ report the Company has had regard to the 
guidance issued by the Accounting Standards Board in its 
Reporting Statement on narrative reporting. The Directors’ 
report is intended to provide shareholders with a greater 
understanding of the Company, of its position in the 
markets within which it operates, and of its prospects.

In setting out the Company’s main risks and uncertainties, 
an indication of likely future developments, and in other 
content, this report and accounts contains statements 
which, by their nature, cannot be considered indications 
of likelihood or certainty. The statements are based on 
the knowledge and information available at the date of 
preparation of the Directors’ report, and what are believed 
to be reasonable judgements. A wide range of factors may 
cause the actual outcomes and results to differ materially 
from those contained within, or implied by, these various 
forward-looking statements. Nor should any of these 
statements be construed as a profit forecast.

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar www.ry.com
Printed by Granite Communications Ltd. ISO 14001 and FSC accredited

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITV plc  
The London Television Centre 
Upper Ground 
London SE1 9LT
www.itv.com
investors: www.itvplc.com

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Transforming ITV

ITV plc Report and accounts 2010