ITV plc

ITV, Britain's biggest free-to-air commercial broadcaster, said the coronavirus pandemic had hit advertising, with ad revenue last month down by 42%, and an uncertain outlook meant it could not give guidance for the rest of the year.

Britain's media regulator criticised ITV presenter Eamonn Holmes on Monday over "ill-judged" comments that potentially gave credence to a conspiracy theory linking COVID-19 and 5G technology.

Britain's biggest free-to-air broadcaster ITV came under fire on Tuesday after one of its leading presenters said no one knew whether a conspiracy theory that 5G masts help spread the novel coronavirus was true or not.

ITV <ITV.L>, Britain's biggest free-to-air commercial broadcaster, said its executive directors had agreed a voluntary 20% reduction in salary and to forgo any bonus for this year to help preserve cash during the coronavirus pandemic.

Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has tested positive for coronavirus, ITV reported. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Kate holton)

ITV <ITV.L> ditched forecasts for annual advertising sales and results on Monday as the coronavirus forced Britain's biggest commercial free-to-air broadcaster to suspend production of top shows including "Coronation Street" and "Emmerdale".

ITV, Britain's biggest commercial free-to-air broadcaster, said advertisers across all categories were deferring campaigns, and the rapidly changing situation meant it could not guide to ad sales or forecast its outcome for the year.

ITV's <ITV.L> advertising revenue for April could fall by about 10% as travel companies defer campaigns and the new James Bond movie is postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, the British commercial broadcaster said on Thursday.

British broadcaster ITV reported full-year adjusted earnings of 729 million pounds ($939 million) for 2019, down 10% on a year earlier but better than the market expected, reflecting a decline in ad revenue and strategic investments in the business.

The British royal family is discussing with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan the use of the word "royal" in their branding after they abruptly decided to start a new life in Canada.

British broadcaster ITV <ITV.L> said its popular reality show "Love Island" would return on Monday after it was taken off air following the death of former presenter Caroline Flack.

Data analytics company Kantar has appointed Adam Crozier as non-executive chairman, bringing the experienced former TV, mail and advertising boss to the group as it starts a new phase under the ownership of Bain Capital.

Data analytics company Kantar has appointed Ian Griffiths as its new chief financial officer, bringing the former senior ITV <ITV.L> executive to the group as it begins life under new owner Bain Capital.

The British pound fell on Tuesday after reports UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was seeking a hard line on Britain's transition period after Brexit, effectively creating a new cliff in its negotiations with Brussels.

ITV <ITV.L> said the Rugby World Cup and hit dating show Love Island helped boost viewing figures and advertising revenue in the third quarter as the British broadcaster reaps the benefits of measures to turn its fortunes around.

British broadcaster ITV said total advertising revenue came in at the top end of its range in the third quarter, helped by demand for new drama programmes and the Rugby World Cup.

A streaming service created by British broadcasters ITV <ITV.L> and the BBC and went live on Thursday, entering a market dominated by Netflix and Amazon with a £5.99 pound a month offer focused on domestic content.

Television boxsets from Viacom-owned Channel 5 as well as British comedies from Comedy Central UK will appear on Britbox, a new British joint venture video streaming service from the BBC and ITV, ITV said on Friday.

British opposition parties have agreed to vote against Prime Minister Boris Johnson's possible request for an election, unless legislation has been passed blocking a no-deal Brexit, an ITV political correspondent said.