ITV signs catch-up deal for BT Vision
17/11/2008
ITV has signed a new agreement with BT to supply a range of current and library programming to customers of BT’s digital TV service, BT Vision – ITV’s first deal of this type with a set top box VOD operator.
The deal brings ITV’s most popular and best loved programmes to BT Vision’s TV Replay service – the most comprehensive1 on-demand TV catch-up service in the UK.
From December 2008, BT Vision customers will be able to catch up on key episodes of their favourite ITV titles close to broadcast, including two of the nation’s favourite soaps - Coronation Street and Emmerdale - alongside the smash hits X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. BT Vision customers will also be able to enjoy a range of library content on demand, including ITV hits Lewis, Prime Suspect and Hell’s Kitchen, alongside selections from the An Audience With... series.
Marc Watson, Director, Content & Business Development at BT Consumer, said: “The combination of some of the week’s best shows, partnered with some much-loved series from ITV’s recent library, means that this deal is a massive addition to the BT Vision on-demand offering. I’m delighted that BT Vision customers are the first in the UK to be able to catch up get the best ITV programmes and this makes our catch up service the best of any platform in the UK.”
Ben McOwen Wilson, Director of ITV Online said: “The deal with BT Vision will allow us to be able to reach new audiences with both our catch-up and archive on-demand content. We’ve seen massive traffic growth across our online sites during 2008 and the consumption of ITV content across our platforms has been staggering; this deal allows us to add another string to our bow in distributing our content wider.”
- ENDS -
Notes for editors:
1. Only BT Vision’s TV Replay service offers programming from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five from the last eight days, available minutes after broadcast.
For further information about ITV
Please contact Sophy Silver from the ITV Consumer Press Office on sophy.silver@itv.com
For further information about BT
Enquiries about this news release can be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its 24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK dial + 44 20 7356 5369. All news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.bt.com/newscentre.
About ITV Online
ITV Online incorporating itv.com, ITV Local, ITV Mobile, ITV Interactive and Friend’s Reunited is ITV’s new media division, established to drive new revenue streams and offer innovative and entertaining content designed to enhance viewers’ on air experience. itv.com was re-launched in 2007 and offers more of ITV channels streamed online, plus access to further ITV programming, clips and exclusive content. ITV Local offers local information, news and services and has launched dedicated channels in 2008 including travel and crime. Both itv.com and itvlocal.com are primarily funded by online advertising.
About BT
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended 31 March 2008, BT Group’s revenue was £20,704 million with profit before taxation and specific items of £2,506 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt