ITV has updated the iOS version of its ITV Player app, at the same time introducing charges for two of its popular thematic channels, ITV3 and ITV4.
The broadcaster has launched ITV Player Premium, at a cost of £3.99 per month, payable through the subscribers iTunes account. Also included is a ‘Live Events’ stream that will feature additional sports coverage and ‘exclusive backstage content’.
There will also be no advertising within VOD for premium subscribers.
Steven Power, product manager for ITV Player on Mobile, said: “As ITV Player on mobile devices continues to grow – over 7 million downloads on iOS to date – it is important we deliver innovative business models and adapt the product to the evolving market. I’m genuinely excited that we’re the first commercial broadcaster to offer viewers the choice to watch content with or without advertising.”
ITV3 shows re-runs of popular dramas while ITV4 has a number of key sports rights including French Open Tennis and IPL cricket.
In March, ITV successfully took its fight against rebroadcast service TVCatchup to the European Court of Justice. Such rebroadcasters are a threat to ITV’s charging model and ITV is now awaiting a decision from the High Court in London.
