Two Way TV administration blow

net1

Two Way TV's decision to go into administration is likely to affect ITV, Telewest and NTL - if Two Way fails to emerge from its self-imposed protection from creditors.

According to a report in New Media Zero, the impact on ITV is potentially greatest, since its roll-out of interactive TV services around shows like Pop Idol and The Premiership is only just getting under way and is largely reliant on expertise developed at Two Way. The company was handed the contract to overhaul technology the new ITVi inherited from the defunct Carlton Active earlier this year.

Telewest and its content arm Flextech are also highly reliant on skills and technology from Two Way. Its Ark enhanced TV suite provides the basis for the scheduling of red button interactivity on Telewest's cable platform, as it does for that belonging to NTL.

Jean de Fougerolles, Two Way TV CEO, confirmed that the firm had been put into administration, but refused to go into detail. Fougerolles said he was confident that Two Way, which has been through massive restructuring over the past few years, would emerge stronger and continue to serve its existing clients.

Existing shareholders, which include NTL and Swedish investment house SMI Media Invest, which has already ploughed millions of pounds into the business, will continue to fund Two Way TV during the administration period.