The London Daily News

Sky is about to become even more dominant in the UK cable TV market by buying Virgin Media's TV channels, Virgin1, Living, Bravo and Challenge.

Virgin have been toying with selling their wholly owned cable channels for a while, and Sky has been a key bidder thoughout, despite Virgin1 originally being created to rival the Rupert Murdoch when the firm had to take Sky One of its network during its highly public squabble with its satellite TV rivals.

Insiders say that Sky's negotiations to buy the four Virgin channels could result in a deal being struck this week.

Sky is also expected to make a bid for Channel Five, which current owners RTL are rumoured to be putting up for sale shortly. Though Sky is not assured victory in any bidding war for the fifth terrestrial channel. Despite it being loss-making, the Guardian says ITV, US conglom Time Warner and 'Big Brother' makers Endemol may all also bid.

Story CMU Network