nITV will consult leading shareholders next week before naming its new chairman to avoid the risk of a shareholder revolt over an unpopular candidate.

The move follows the shareholder unrest that forced J. Sainsbury to drop Sir Ian Prosser as chairman designate on Tuesday. ITV was made aware of the dangers of upsetting shareholders in October when institutions, led by Fidelity International, the fund manager, blocked the appointment of Michael Green as chairman of the new broadcaster.