Channel 4 Signs First On-Demand Distribution Deal

Channel 4’s pledge to push video on-demand content has taken a further step forward, with the broadcaster securing the rights to deliver hit series Lost and Desperate Housewives using the technology.

The landmark deal is The Walt Disney Company’s first on-demand licensing in Europe and will enable Channel 4 to screen the entire first series of Lost through its pay-per-view VOD service, launching today.

The programme will be made available through www.channel4.com/lost, and via Telewest’s on-demand service, Teleport.

Episodes of the hit series will cost 99p and can be watched an unlimited number of times within 24 hours of purchase.

In addition to Channel 4’s on-demand distribution, ntl Telewest has also secured the rights for content to be shown in high-definition.

Announcing the deal, Andy Duncan, chief executive of Channel 4, said: “Channel 4 is the most distinctive brand in UK television and we want to protect and enhance this reputation by making our award-winning content available across multiple platforms.

“By partnering exclusively on the VOD rights to two of the biggest shows on TV, we will work together to reach and grow on-demand audiences. This deal reinforces Channel 4’s plans to make content available ‘anytime, anywhere’ and is a fantastic way of demonstrating our ambitions in this area.”

Following the launch of Lost Season One, Channel 4 will allow episodes of the second series to be viewed on-demand 14 days after their first UK broadcast. The first two episodes will also be offered free of charge, in an effort to foster interest in the new technology.

On-demand episodes of Desperate Housewives Season Two will be available from May 4th, with episodes of Desperate Housewives Season One available later in the month.

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com