Will birth pangs leave Channel 5 fit for long life? (new television channel in the United Kingdom) (Column)

The Independent Television Commission has invited applications for Channel 5. The licence is to be awarded later this year, and the station probably on air early in 1997. However, taking a look at the recent success of satellite and cable channels in the UK suggests a difficult future for Channel 5.

Multi-channel television viewers now account for 19% of adults. They appear surprised by just how much use they get out of the new technology, with 45% of satellite subscribers using satellite channels more than expected. Penetration of multi-channel TV varies very significantly by demographic groups. Homes receiving multi-channel TV are much more likely to contain children or young …