Organisers of the BRITs have announced that next year's event will take place on 20 Feb, again at London's Earls Court.
The 2008 event will again be screened live by ITV. As previously reported, this year was the first BRITs to be televised live for 17 years, a move designed to overcome flagging audience figures for the annual music event. ITV seem committed to the reinvigorated awards show, signing up to screen it until 2010, what will be the 30th anniversary of the awards.
Confirming that commitment, ITV Controller Of Music And Events Guy Freeman told reporters: "The BRITs is the ultimate celebration of British and international musical talent and is one of the most important musical events of the year. At a time when British musical talent is thriving, we are delighted to be continuing our close relationship with the awards for the next three years".
SonyBMG UK chief Ged Doherty, who also heads up the BRITS Committee, added: "The BRITs is Europe's biggest and best musical showcase and 2008 promises to be bigger and better than ever. The return to live broadcast earlier this year saw an increase in TV audience and we want to build on that by taking next year's show live once again. With ITV committing to the BRITs until 2010, we now have a great opportunity to deliver an even better live and interactive experience for our audience through the ITV platforms and beyond. I am also working on some new ideas to see how we can take the BRITs celebrations beyond London to the regions, reinforce the crucial role played by the Academy in selecting nominees and award winners and give greater profile to the charities that the BRIT Trust supports".