Online Premiere Hints At Channel 4’s VOD Future

Channel 4 has launched its first online TV preview, following in the footsteps of the BBC in delivering content direct to users via the internet.

The preview, which enables website visitors to see the first episode of new comedy The IT Crowd prior to broadcast, follows the likes of BBC3’s The Mighty Boosh, which premiered through the web last year (see BBC To Premiere Award Winning Sitcom Online).

Online delivery of TV content has become commonplace in recent months, with several broadcasters, including ITV and the BBC, developing interactive video player software (see BBC Enters Second Phase Of Web TV Trial).

The latest move by Channel 4, coupled with comments by chief executive Andy Duncan at this month’s Oxford Media Convention, suggests that the broadcaster could be heading in a similar direction.

Cross-platform delivery was highlighted by Duncan in his keynote speech to the convention, with the broadcast boss pledging to “stay ahead of the curve and stretch the creative potential of online and mobile platforms,” revealing that £12 million had already been earmarked for investment invest in tailor-made content to support the new media sector (see Duncan Asserts Importance Of PSB For Channel 4).

Elsewhere, last week saw Channel 4 announce the appointment of Sarah Rose, ITV’s former general manager for digital channels, to spearhead the development of its video on-demand products (see Channel 4 Signs ITV Boss To Drive VOD Plans).

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