In which universe would a production company buy the TV network that airs its shows? Thrown a hypothetical on buying an ITV (LSE: ITV) stake, Endemol CEO Ynon Kreiz told FT.com: “This one is an example of a combination that could make sense, depending on the numbers.” And John de Mol: “I wouldn’t want to exclude it. But the alternatives are that we just follow the strategy we [have] had for 12 years.” Not exactly ringing endorsement - rather, just speculation as to who might swoop for the 17.9 ITV stake BSkyB (NYSE: BSY) is having to give up on anti-trust grounds. Other names in the frame, according to various media (not even the rumour mill, just the frame) - NBC, RTL, Mediaset, Haim Saban. Despite any evidence about approaches from any, ITV’s share price nevertheless rose healthily today - even the slightest whiff of blind hope, enough to restore some confidence to the ailing broadcaster.