C4 To Simulcast On Movio

Channel 4 programmes will soon be simulcast on BT Movio, BT’s wholesale service for UK mobile operators to combine live TV and digital radio content onto mobile phones.

The broadcaster’s content will be streamed both to mobiles and home television sets, having previously been available as “Short Cuts”, a made-for-mobile channel of programme highlights for the BT Movio service.

“Consumers gave us a clear message during the BT Movio pilot that they want the full live TV channels they are familiar with at home on their mobile, rather than watered down highlights,” said Emma Lloyd, managing director, at BT Movio. “At launch we indicated that Channel 4 would move to full simulcast as soon as possible and I am delighted that we have been able to deliver this so quickly.”

Channel 4 will now provide a full service with the exception of some film, sport and US-produced content, in addition to recently added 24-hour news channel, ITN News.

BT Movio was launched in October with Virgin Mobile (see BT Announces Partners For Mobile TV Service), and is the first wholesale mobile TV and radio service in the world that combines live TV channels, DAB digital radio, a seven-day programme guide and ‘red button’ interactivity. Live TV content is available on the service from BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4, E4 and ITN News. Almost 90% of TV programmes from the five broadcasters are available on BT Movio, equating to 730 hours of TV entertainment available to mobile users each week.

Riccardo Donato, head of telephony business development at Channel 4, said: “Channel 4 is known for its innovative programming and a key part of our public service remit is to make our award-winning content available across multiple platforms.”

BT: 020 7469 2337 www.btplc.com Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com