BBC and ITV have confirmed they’re teaming up to launch BritBox later this year in a bid to rival streaming giant Netflix.
Rumours of a collaboration between the two broadcasters have been around for some time but were confirmed on Wednesday, with a press release stating that they are now working on a formal legal agreement.
BritBox – which is already available in the US - will provide British boxsets and original series on demand, creating the biggest collection of British shows in one place as well as having its own commissions.
It is set to launch in the second half of this year. Prices have yet to be announced, but it is said they will be “competitive”. A webpage set up to register interest in the service shows Victoria and Broadchurch among the shows to be made available.
Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV, hailed upcoming BritBox as “the home for the best of British creativity celebrating the best of the past, today and new original content”.
Tony Hall, Director General of the BBC, added: “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 upcoming launch closely resembles Project Kangaroo, a proposal from the two networks and Channel 4 to create a streaming platform over a decade ago. It was blocked in 2009 by the competitions regulator.
More information will be announced in due course, once a formal agreement is reached.
