Channel 4 has removed the red button interactive services after chief executive, Andy Duncan, described the services as "clunky and inefficient".

Ducan has said that the channel was spending several million pounds a year on red button services and the money could be put to better use providing other internet and broadband content.

Duncan added: "We've dropped our red button service. At a time of lots of different possible technologies and options, our view is that red button technology is a clunky and inefficient use of capacity."

"It's not much loved or used by audiences, it's too expensive, and it has been rather overtaken by the opportunities offered by the internet and broadband. The red button service does not help Channel 4 fulfil its public service remit and it doesn't offer a way to make money.

"We are the first broadcaster to recognise it's the emperor's new clothes and label it for what it is."