British broadcast industry bosses racing to launch flagship streaming app early next year in attempt to wrestle viewers from US tech giants
British broadcast industry bosses are racing to launch a flagship streaming app early next year in an attempt to wrestle viewers from the US tech giants.
Bosses at the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 hope to launch a joint service by February to coincide with the Six Nations rugby tournament, The Mail on Sunday understands.
The app will act as a ‘front door’ to all of the broadcasters’ live and catch-up shows as they battle for space on the ‘homescreen’ of smart TVs with the likes of Amazon, Netflix and Disney+.
In vision: Bosses at the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 hope to launch a joint service by February to coincide with the Six Nations rugby tournament
The service is expected to bundle together shows under topics and will also allow users to click through to streaming platforms including iPlayer, ITV Hub and All4.
Viewers may also be able to get a remote control with a dedicated button, which sources said could be a ‘Brit-button’ branded with a British flag.
It had been hoped the initiative, organised by joint venture Freeview, could be launched by November, however the project has slipped into next year.
Sources said the broadcasters would emphasise their live TV programming to younger viewers currently more loyal to US streamers.
The Six Nations, which will be screened across the BBC and ITV, kicks off a season of significant live TV events including the Brit Awards and the FA Cup.
One broadcaster said: ‘Live TV is our USP [unique selling point] and next winter’s World Cup in Qatar could be the most viewed sporting event of all time in the UK. That’s the big prize.’