Broadcasters to launch 'Kangaroo' VOD service

Satdude

Broadcasters to launch 'Kangaroo' VOD service

BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4 have announced the creation of a commercial three-way joint venture to launch an on-demand content service under the working title 'Kangaroo'. If approved by the BBC Trust and each broadcaster's board the service will launch in 2008.

The service will bring together an exciting collection of over ten thousand hours of the broadcasters' current and archive programming. 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.

The joint venture will be owned equally and will work independently as an aggregator of both joint venture partners and third party content and will encourage other content providers to join the service.

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."

Michael Grade, Executive Chairman of ITV plc said: "This key strategic move is complementary to our investment in itv.com and further strengthens ITV's customer proposition online. The joint service has the potential to become an important shop window for UK broadcaster content and a great destination for viewers."

Andy Duncan, Channel 4 Chief Executive said: "TV on the internet is a rapidly growing medium as proven by the incredible success that Channel 4 has enjoyed with its 4oD service. We want to continue to build and innovate in this area, giving viewers ultimate control over what they watch and when they watch it, and believe that partnering and sharing expertise is the best way of doing this.

"We believe this deal will lead to a major step change in the on-demand services offered by UK broadcasters and is good news for independents and the creative community, for advertisers and, above all, for viewers."

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 as well as news, clips, stills, exclusive content and interactivity across and around ITV programming.

Channel 4's website will host a catch-up service including accompanying comprehensive programme information and clips, whilst 4oD will evolve into the new service.

The joint venture has appointed Lesley MacKenzie as Launch CEO and is currently recruiting senior staff to lead the joint venture team.

Regards Satdude.