The BBC is set to take over the gap left by the failure of ITV Digital. The Independent Television Commission gave the corporation the digital licences that will see the green light to 27 free digital channels.

Film Four, Channel 4's film arm, is one of the biggest losers and now faces an uncertain future.

The Mail today reports that the BBC used 11 Downing Street to present their case for the licences in a series of seminars with the Smith Institute, a Labour think tank.