Channel 4 Announces New On-Demand Service

Channel 4 programmes will be available on-demand to almost three million people after the broadcaster signed a deal with NTL Telewest.

The three-year deal also means that there will be a seven-day catch up service for the majority of its primetime programmes, such as Hollyoaks and Deal Or No Deal.

“It is a major step towards making Channel 4 content available on-demand across multiple platforms and lays the foundation for the launch of our bespoke on-demand service later this year,” said Channel 4’s new business director, Rod Henwood.

The on-demand service provides viewers with access to more than 500 movies, hundreds of series and thousands of music videos, as well as the catch-up service. Channel 4’s own media player and on-demand service is set to be unveiled next month, whilst ITV and BBC are planning similar launches next year (see BBC Faces First Public Value Test For Online Streaming).

In the summer, Channel 4 launched its broadband simulcast service, which is available via the channel4.com website. This means that registered users of the site will be able to access a streamed live version of the Channel 4 schedule, allowing them to watch Channel 4’s flagship shows at the same time as their TV transmission (see C4 First To Simulcast TV Content Online).

In June, Henwood said: “Viewing video via the PC is fast becoming a reality and the popularity of our existing online video offering proves that a strong demand for watching programming online already exists.

“Launching our broadband simulcast service… is evidence that Channel 4 is leading the way in providing new media services that viewers actually want.”

Channel 4: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com