Britbox: BBC and ITV reveal pricing for new streaming service
BBC and ITV have joined forces for a new streaming service to rival the likes of Netflix.
The two broadcasters outlined their plans this morning for Britbox, a new subscription offer that would charge customers £5.99 per month.
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Ahead of a planned launched between October and the end of December this year, the groups revealed today plans for a streaming service for multiple screens and devices.
Popular shows such as Love Island and Broadchurch are expected to be included in the entertainment tie-up, along with new programmes made specially for Britbox.
A partnership between the two sides underlines the current efforts among broadcast and entertainment businesses to cash in on the growing demand for subscription services.
Netflix has been at the helm of the sector’s boom, but investors have asked questions over its future as the likes of Disney And Apple also muscle into the sector.
Yesterday the company’s shares were hit when it revealed that it had lost subscribers in the US for the first time in eight years.
ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall hailed today’s deal was “a milestone moment”.
She added: “Subscription video on demand is increasingly popular with consumers who love being able to watch what they want when they want to watch it. They are also happy to pay for this ease of access to quality content and so BritBox is tapping into this, and a new revenue stream for UK public service broadcasters.”
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BBC director general Tony Hall said: “With a remit to be daring and different, many future classics will be commissioned and live on BritBox for the future. These are exciting times for people who love quality TV. Importantly, these shows will be truly British, showcasing our culture and telling distinctive stories. It’s what makes real British TV so special.”