TVCatchup, the sometimes controversial online TV portal, is launching a new catchup offer that brings together the UK’s major public broadcasters.
The company says the new offer will put the BBC iPlayer, the ITV Player, 4oD and Demand 5 side by side. Extended programme details will take viewers directly to the PSB sites where they can watch the programme and go on to explore other available content.
Bruce Pilley, chairman of TVCatchup, said: “We’re looking for opportunities to work with the PSBs in mutually beneficial ways. Our catch-up TV offering will bring more viewers to the PSBs, adding to their own on-demand audience figures. The commercial operators – ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – will also be able to show more ads to more viewers and benefit from additional revenues.”
In August TVCatchup reached a retransmission agreement with S4C. It followed a European Court victory in March by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 against the retransmission of their shows.
Arguably, by directing viewers to the PSB’s own sites, TVCatchup is restructuring its business around the ruling.
