| − | '''ITV''', or '''Independent Television''', is the main commercial terrestrial [[television]] broadcaster in the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial television was first permitted in the UK in 1955, breaking the monopoly of the BBC (curiously, independent commercial [[radio]] was not permitted for another 18 years, arriving in 1973). It was organised along regional lines | + | '''ITV''', or '''Independent Television''', is the main commercial terrestrial [[television]] broadcaster in the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial television was first permitted in the UK in 1955, breaking the monopoly of the BBC (curiously, independent commercial [[radio]] was not permitted for another 18 years, arriving in 1973). It was organised along regional lines, with ultimately 15 regional franchises (including two for the London area: weekdays and weekends), later supplemented by a national 'breakfast tv' franchise. |