In December 1980, both Yorkshire Television and Tyne Tees Television had their contracts renewed but were forced to de-merge by the IBA. The Bilsdale transmitter was finally given to Tyne Tees as it was felt that Yorkshire Television had grown strong enough with the enlarged area it obtained through serving Belmont. The de-merger meant Trident's participation in ITV was effectively over. It continued to retain minority shareholdings in both companies which were eventually disposed of. Although it continued to receive rental funds from the studios and equipment leased to the two companies, it no longer earned funds from selling airtime.