It is clearly seen the plan of chairman Archie Norman in executing big changes at the largest commercial broadcaster through the appointment of Adam Crozier - a Scottish businessman as chief executive of ITV- the oldest commercial television network in the United Kingdom.
According to analysts and bankers, the chairman's execution plays a significant role in enhancing ITV's success in the fast-changing media industry. It is clear that Mr Norman made a revolution without spectacular cost-cutting. The announcement of his appointment concurred with BSB's (British Sky Broadcasting) which it planned to close in on its three-year goal of 10m subscribers this year-end.
Michael Grade, the executive chairman sought to see ITV striking £150m in revenue from online sales by 2010. He himself gave up the struggle last April. Confusion occurred in the following eight months because ITV managed to select a new chief executive before the board. Suffering too much pressure from investors, ITV convinced Mr Grade say goodbye to the company altogether. There was a shift in the search for from a chief executive to a chairman. Candidates' withdrawal encountered the true nature of the challenge.
However, things stopped when Mr Norman was appointed one month before 2009-end while ITV started aiming at looking up with ratings and ad revenue recovering fast.
According to one analyst, Norman got the ad cycle going in his direction. He had his way to look much further to the future. He said yesterday that he already had "star broadcasters" and the necessary things was that someone would bring "transformational change" to ITV.
Many people think that ITV has not been quick enough to witness itself as part of an unstable multichannel digital and online world rather than as the big commercial ship.
Newly-appointed Crozier is believed to be a person to change ITV's perceptions. According to those who have spoken to him since his appointment state his belief about broadcasters' eagerness for change. It was said that Mr Crozier got accustomed to tackling decreasing revenues and it was reasonable appointment.
A leading independent producer said that in the event Adam wished to take more costs out, it would be like a walk in the park. Others see the issue as question of restructuring.
