Channel 4 First Terrestrial Station To Offer Mobile TV
Channel 4 is to become the first terrestrial broadcaster to offer mobile TV services, offering 3G subscribers to the Orange and Vodafone networks programming from some of its most popular shows.
The mobile TV channel will initially feature a selection of shows such as Grand Designs, Brat Camp and Supernanny. Full-length episodes of programmes will be edited into two-hour blocks of programming, linked using Channel 4 idents and voice-overs.
The programming blocks will replicate the look and feel of conventional Channel 4 broadcasts and will be streamed on a continuous loop.
The broadcaster plans to expand the service with mobile specific content, specially commissioned for the channel. Commenting on the new mobile platform, Andy Taylor, managing director of Channel 4 New Media said: “Mobile content provides a huge opportunity for broadcasters and Channel 4 is determined to be one of the leaders in this area.
“One of the most exciting things about the new channel is that it provides us with a strong platform for future mobile content such as bespoke mobile episodes of existing Channel 4 shows or new, specially commissioned content.”
Channel 4’s interest in mobile technology looks set to increase in the future, with chief executive Andy Duncan telling the Edinburgh TV Festival earlier this year: “Mobile is the [platform] that no-one has thought right through yet. Look at the numbers, more than one mobile per head in Britain – I think Channel 4 has a big part to play there.”
Paul Whitehead, head of business development at Channel 4 New Media explained that demand for mobile content had already been proven, stating: “During Celebrity Big Brother short-clips from the programme were downloaded at a rate of over 50,000 per day, and live streaming of Big Brother 6 was incredibly popular, so we know a big appetite exists for compelling mobile content.
“However, we are still learning how individuals want to interact with and consume mobile content. The new mobile channel will provide a brilliant opportunity to increase our understanding of mobile TV’s potential as well as providing viewers with a flexible and convenient way to access Channel 4 content even when they’re on the move.”
The service follows hot on the heels of BSkyB’s launch of mobile TV services via the Vodafone network (see Sky Signs Vodafone For Mobile TV Service). Like Sky’s service, Channel 4’s mobile feed will be offered free on Vodafone until the end of January 2006. Orange Premier customers will receive three months’ free subscription to the service, while other users will be given access free of charge for seven days.
After this Channel 4 will charge £10 per month for access to the service, which will be paid as part of users’ conventional mobile subscription.
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com