ISBA endorses BBC’s Project Canvas

ISBA is set to back Project Canvas, the video-on-demand venture proposed by the BBC, ITV and BT, as “an important commercial counterbalane” to the BBC’s iPlayer service.

Regulators are currently in the process of reviewing the proposed service, which would use an open internet connection to deliver on-demand viewing to television screens.

Project Canvas follows the joint VoD venture between BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4, which was blocked earlier this year by the Competition Commission, who claimed it would “restrict competition” in the market (see Competition Commission “stops” Kangaroo).

However, in its reponse to a BBC Trust consultation, ISBA has given its support to the new project.

If the trust approves the proposals, Project Canvas could be available via TV sets in early 2010.

ISBA’s media and advertising manager, Michelle Sherlock, said: “ISBA has responded to the consultation on behalf of advertisers and our submission has reflected the need for an important commercial counterbalance to the BBC’s iPlayer.

“Subject to caveats including economic regulation similar to linear channels and prevention against ‘gatekeeper’ practices, ISBA has endorsed the initiative.”