Complex sentence: Regional variations are less common these days than they used to be, especially so on ITV1 since the various mergers that ultimately created ITV plc. In the past, a programme that was shown by the whole ITV network could be seen at different times in different regions.
Split into simpler sentences: Regional variations are less common these days than they used to be. Especially so on ITV1 following the various mergers that ultimately created ITV plc. In the past, a programme that was shown by the whole ITV network could be seen at different times in different regions.