ITV Signs Video Deal With Bebo

ITV has signed a deal with Bebo which will give Bebo’s 40 million worldwide users access to premium ITV content.

ITV will have a member profile on Bebo, and the ITV profile will host different media channels, each promoting individual programmes.

Bebo users will be given the opportunity to become ‘fans’ of programmes, meaning they will be notified when new content is uploaded to the profiles.

ITV’s first channel launch will be US acquisition Gossip Girl available from today, with other channels planned for rollout.

Annelies Van den Belt, MD, broadband, said: “We are delighted to be working with ITV channels to join the Bebo ‘open media’ platform offering their audience access to some of our best and most relevant content.

“This is a targeted move to promote specific ITV2 shows to the Bebo audience whilst ultimately driving traffic to itv.com to watch more and proves true 360 commissioning.”

Zai Bennett, controller, ITV2 said: “ITV2 and Bebo are quite simply a great fit. Launching this partnership with Gossip Girl, the new smash hit from the US, makes that fit even more perfect and I’m really excited about the opportunities this opens up for us.”

Recently released figures showed that ITV’s online TV service has failed to increase its visitor numbers since November, while the BBC’s iPlayer has been recording strong growth (see iPlayer Outperforming ITV.com).

ITV’s simulcast and catch-up TV service had a peak of around two million views of full length TV shows and clips in January, down by 200,000 views from its peak in November.

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com