The three leading Spanish FTA broadcasters Atresmedia, RTVE and Mediaset have entered into a partnership in order to compete with Netflix, HBO and Sky.
Quoting a statement, El Economista reports that in the first stage of their cooperation they will launch a joint content platform with HbbTV technology, with the aim of “improving the television consumption experience by allowing interactivity”.
El Economista adds that HbbTV is already used by RTVE to provide its RTVE to provide its Red Button service.
It also notes that the agreement between the broadcasters is open for more stations, such as regional ones (through Forta) and DTT operators like Channel 10, to enter.
Although content on the platform will be offered free of charge, there will be the option to charge for an additional service. This could be specific content or the ability to record programmes. However, this has not yet been clearly defined.
Meanwhile, the second stage will see the HbbTV platform being used to offer an additional OTT service. This will employ a model very similar to that already being used in Spain by HBO and Netflix.
