BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4 to launch on-demand content service.
 BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4 today announced the creation of a commercial three-way joint venture to launch an on-demand content service in 2008 with the working title of 'Kangaroo'.
The service will bring together an exciting collection of over ten thousand hours of the very best of the UK broadcasters' current and archive programming, with the convenience, simplicity and ease of use of one overarching service.
These plans are subject to formal approval from the BBC Trust and each broadcaster's board.
Initially the service will launch as a web based proposition and will be available for distribution on other platforms. Content will be available both streamed and downloaded and viewers will be able to watch for free, rent or buy. A name and brand for the new service will be unveiled before launch.
John Smith, Chief Executive Officer of BBC Worldwide said: "This is a historic partnership between the UK's largest broadcasters. For some time we have wanted to form an alliance with other rights holders in the UK and give viewers an on-demand service with real added value."
"The new service will contain some of the very best of the UK's content for consumers to view in one place, which will be both easy to use and great fun. By combining our joint resources we're really taking control of our destiny in a market that’s moving at a fast pace."
The new service will complement BBC iPlayer, the free catch-up TV service offering hundreds of programmes a week from the last seven days. BBC iPlayer content will be listed within the new service. ITV.com will continue to feature a 30 day catch up facility alongside simulcasts of ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 and a wealth of news, clips, stills, exclusive content and interactivity across and around ITV programming.
The joint venture has appointed Lesley MacKenzie as Launch CEO and is currently recruiting top executives to lead the joint venture team. Previously Lesley was in India launching TataSky and prior to this was Director of Channels and Operations at BSkyB.
|
