ITV To Launch Online Video Player In March

ITV is to launch its online video player on March 31, offering live streaming, access to archive content and a 30-day catch up window.

The service will be in competition with the BBC’s iPlayer (see BBC’s iPlayer Plans Criticised By The RadioCentre) and Channel 4’s 4oD service which will give users up to 30 days to access repeats of current shows (see Channel 4 To Launch On-Demand Service).

ITV said that content will be viewed via a player embedded in its broadband website, unlike the Channel 4 offering, which requires viewers to download a player on which to watch content.

In addition, the ITV site will offer 1,000 hours of content from the ITV archive.

The former Telegraph Media Group director of new media, Annelies van den Belt, has been hired by ITV as managing director of its broadband division.

The Guardian quotes Jeff Henry, head of ITV’s consumer division, as saying: “Plans for our broadband portal are ambitious and well advanced.

“Bringing on board an industry leader like Annelies is a hugely significant step. Her skills, combined with the invaluable experience that Tanya and Steve already possess, will ensure that ITV’s broadband service is second to none.”

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com