The BBC and ITV are in the final stages of talks to establish a new streaming service to UK audiences.
The new service will be called BritBox, and the two companies are now working on a formal legal agreement.
The BBC and ITV say they “anticipate that other partners will be added to BritBox” and both will speak to regulators and the wider industry about their proposals.
BritBox would be an original streaming service providing British boxsets and original series, on demand, all in one place. The BBC and ITV say the service would provide the biggest collection of British content available on any streaming service and brand new commissions for British production companies specifically created for BritBox.
Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV, said: “I am really pleased that ITV and the BBC are at the concluding stage of discussions to launch a new streaming service.
“BritBox will be the home for the best of British creativity – celebrating the best of the past, the best of today and investing in new British originated content in the future. “
BBC Director General, Tony Hall, said: “I am delighted that the BBC and ITV are working together on something truly special – BritBox. A new streaming service delivering the best home grown content to the public who love it best. The service will have everything from old favourites to recent shows and brand new commissions. It’s an exciting time for the viewing public.”
The BBC and ITV’s BritBox streaming service in North America now has over half a million subscribers.
The aim is to launch the service in the second half of 2019. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Staff Reporter
Share this story