Channel Five to rejoin Project Canvas

Channel Five has confirmed that it is rejoining Project Canvas, the internet video-on-demand venture.

The project partners currently include BBC, ITV, Channel 4, BT, TalkTalk and Arqiva, along with Channel Five. It will be formally incorporated later in the year.

Five was originally involved in Project Canvas, but pulled out at the beginning of July.

Richard Desmond, who purchased Channel Five last month, said: “Project Canvas is set to shape the future of broadcasting. Having an open, internet-connected TV platform fits closely with our plans to bring brilliant new content and interactive services to viewers.

“We’re delighted to renew Channel Five’s commitment to supporting Project Canvas following a review of our digital strategy.”

Richard Halton, director of Project Canvas, said: “Channel Five has already made a major contribution to Project Canvas and we’re delighted to have them back on board. This is great recognition of how important Canvas is to the future of television.”