BT Vision to host ITV catch-up service
BT has secured a deal with ITV to broadcast its catch-up and archive programme service. The move will make BT Vision the first UK platform to carry catch-up services for all four terrestrial broadcasters.
It is thought ITV will make an announcement later today (November 17). Until now, replays of ITV programme, such as The X Factor and Coronation Street have only been accessible on the internet.
BT Vision already broadcasts programmes from BBC, Channel 4 and Five. It is thought ITV has secured a guaranteed minimum payment deal with BT and it will see revenue increase as customer numbers grow.
Viewers will have to subscribe to the service as part of BT Vision’s Replay package, which currently costs £3 per month. This will also allow access to archive ITV dramas such as Prime Suspect and Inspector Morse.
The move follows the referral of the joint venture between the ITV, BBC and Channel 4, known as Project Kangaroo, to the Competition Commission earlier this year (MW June 30). ITV had planned to create digital growth via the online platform.
Project Kangaroo has been hit by a series of set backs including a Competition Commission investigation and the departure of chief executive Ashley Highfield, who resigned earlier this month to take up the role of Microsoft managing director. However, reports have suggested that a trial of the service will launch in January.
