The joint project planned by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 to offer video-on-demand services has been blocked by the Competition Commission. The Commission concluded that "in the absence of [Project Kangaroo] each of BBCW, ITV and C4C would pursue its own commercial interests, either alone or in partnership with a third party, to exploit its archive VOD content rights" putting to bed the joint project. This move is likely to be welcomed by independent video-on-demand operators.
"We are surprised by this decision because we believed that the Kangaroo joint venture, competing in a crowded online world against dominant global brands, was an attractive UK consumer proposition, free at the point of use. [..] However, in the two years since the idea for Kangaroo was born, the success of ITV.com has proved that our UK content is attractive enough to stand on its own and we remain focussed on our online growth."
Michael Grade (Chairman & Chief Executive, ITV)
ITV is expected to expand on its own plans in a month's time when its full year results are expected.
staff member)
over 3 years ago
Right. So, people have to hunt through multiple sites to find...no, they'll just use darknets. GG.