Channel 4 joins Project Canvas
Channel 4 has become the latest terrestrial broadcaster to join Project Canvas, the IPTV joint venture between ITV, BBC, Five and BT.
Alongside TalkTalk, the broadcaster has signed an agreement to partner in the proposed venture, which will create a next generation online TV platform for Freeview and Freesat viewers.
Project Canvas aims to deliver television programmes and other online content to the living room over broadband, on-demand and subscription-free. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the BBC Trust and could be subject to a competition investigation by Ofcom.
Channel 4 says it “believes Project Canvas is critical to the long-term future of subscription-free TV.”
Gill Pritchard, director of strategy at Channel 4, says: “IPTV is set to become the next generation of TV and if Channel 4 is to continue to enhance its importance in a fully converged world it is key to be part of driving Project Canvas. We believe that Project Canvas is an important development that will bring considerable benefits to all viewers, increasing the accessibility of on-demand content for everyone, not just the technologically savvy.”
Five joined the project in July, meaning all terrestrial broadcasters are now signed up to the proposal.
Project Canvas project director Richard Halton, says: “Project Canvas can help secure the future of free-to-air broadcasting, as well as create an opportunity for a wide range of public services and new commercial models to thrive through an open platform. We’re delighted that Channel 4 and TalkTalk have joined the project.”
