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BBC Follows NBC, forms Internet-based service
November 27, 2007

Three rival British television networks have jointly formed an on-demand Internet venture to delivery their programming over the Internet.

The service, called Kangaroo, is similar to one launched earlier this month by NBC Universal and Fox, called Hulu.

Across the Atlantic, the partners of the new venture -- rumored to be called "Kangaroo" -- are stalwarts BBC, ITV and Channel 4. The service is set to go live in 2008 and will offer viewers access to current shows and archive material.

According to the British Broadcasting Company, the plans will have to be approved by the BBC Trust and the other broadcasters' boards.

The three broadcasters currently offer their own separate on-demand services. All but Channel 4 will continue to do so.

Programming from all three broadcasters will be available for free download, streaming, rental and purchase via the internet, with expansion on to other platforms planned.

The joint service has the potential to become "an important shop window" for UK broadcaster content and a great destination for viewers, said Michael Grade, ITV executive chairman.

My assumption is that it will bring an international audience via the Internet to British programming.

The BBC and ITV's on-demand services launched earlier this year, with the commerical broadcaster initially concentrating on soap opera catch-ups.

Channel 4's service offers hundreds of hours of programming from current series such as Ugly Betty to classic shows including Father Ted. Other on-demand services are offered by other providers including Five, Sky, BT Vision and Tiscali. 

Posted by Ned Randolph on November 27, 2007 | Comments (0)