Retailer aims for gap left by football

Ed Hall, the chief executive of Sirius Retail Television, said he saw no reason why auction channels, gambling channels and traditional shopping channels should not be part of the new terrestrial digital deal.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "You need a very strong editorial offering to make digital terrestrial television work,"

But, he said, alongside that there should be shopping channels.

Fitness equipment

"They're extremely popular on other broadcasting platforms.

"It's absurd that they wouldn't be part of a new digital terrestrial set up," he added.

Sirius Retail Television already has two channels on the satellite broadcaster BSkyB, selling goods such as cleaning and fitness equipment.

But it is determined to bring the TV shopping experience to digital terrestrial too.

Fantastic

Mr Hall is planning to form part of a consortium with other bidders, but he would not give details of possible partners.

The BBC has expressed an interest in the licences and Channel 4, Channel 5, Carlton and Granada are also thought to be among the bidders.

Mr Hall said digital television take-up in the UK had been fantastic and it was already in the best part of 40% of UK homes.

"Unfortunately what's happened with ITV Digital has led many, particularly commentators, to suggest that digital TV isn't succeeding," he added.

Simply money

He said his aim was to see the remaining 60% of homes enjoying digital television too.

Mr Hall set up the personal finance channel Simply Money, which closed down to be replaced by Simply Shopping.

Companies interested in the three ITV Digital licences have until 4 July to submit their bids.

The Independent Television Commission extended the deadline by a fortnight at the request of potential bidders.

ITV Digital collapsed owing £178.5m to the Football League for television rights.