C4 Wins Battle To Screen Shows Online
Channel 4 will show its television programmes on the internet for 30 days after they are broadcast, thanks to an agreement reached with Pact on new media rights.
After months of negotiations, the broadcaster has won its battle for a 30-day exclusive window in which to make the most of its programmes via all platforms. The deal will allow Channel 4 to launch a number of video-on-demand channels this autumn on PCs and through cable television.
Channel 4 will have the exclusive right to distribute its programmes via VOD for 30 days after the programme’s first television transmission, on a free, pay per view or subscription basis.
After the 30-day window has elapsed, the parties have the option to agree a five-month extension. However, if an independent producer opts to withdraw a programme from Channel 4’s VOD service at that point, then the channel has a holdback right for five months, which will prevent the producer from distributing the programme on a rival VOD service.
Producers will receive either a share of pay revenue or a royalty-type payment if the service is offered free. The indie’s payment will increase in line with the number of views that a programme receives. Producers will receive a share of any pay-per-view or subscription revenue generated, after costs have been deducted. The deal also gives C4 and producers the option to agree rights for a longer period.
Last week the BBC and Pact agreed to a 13-week window for new media rights. It means that viewers can download programmes that they can then watch as many times as they want for a period of a week.
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com