Murdoch’s BSkyB Said to Join Discovery in Channel 5 Offer

Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell said it received several bids for the U.K.’s Channel 5 television station which airs shows including “Britain’s Crime Capitals” and “Celebrity Big Brother.”

British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc and Discovery Communications Inc. have made a joint offer for the channel, while Viacom Inc. has also taken part in the sale process, according to people familiar with the talks, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are confidential. Desmond’s company will evaluate the bids with advisers in the coming days, Northern & Shell spokeswoman Mimi Turner said yesterday.