But if ITV don't edit the movie they can run it in a longer slot that carries the same or more aRAB and requires less additional programming to fill the same time.
For instance,Superman extended is 2h25 so ITV could easily fill a 3 hour slot with it.
But do a few edits and they will put it in a 2h45 slot.
So they need a further 15 minutes of programming ,which won't be free.
I know they used to edit Bond mercilessly but the more recent screenings I've casually dipped into have been seemingly uncut.
Thunderball used to have the poker strangulation cut but the last Saturday afternoon showing I saw was uncut,same with OHMSS and the knife at Tracy's throat in the precredits.
Licence to Kill was also uncut in an 8pm slot.
So the cutting for violence seems to have stopped,but I don't watch them right through so I don't know if the cutting for time continues.
They used to edit for a 2 hour slot,but as they show them in odd length slots now there seems no reason to edit