The BBC and ITV have finally confirmed details of the long-rumoured “British Netflix”.
The two broadcasters are joining forces on BritBox, which they describe as a “transformational streaming service”.
In an announcement, the two companies said they are in “the concluding phase of talks to establish a strategic partnership to bring an exciting new streaming service to UK audiences.”
The BBC and ITV have agreed a joint vision for the service, to be called BritBox, and are now working on a formal legal agreement. The BBC and ITV anticipate that other partners will be added to BritBox and both will speak to regulators and the wider industry about their proposals.
BritBox will be an original streaming service made up of British boxsets and original series, on demand, all in one place, and would provide:
- The biggest collection of British content available on any streaming service
- 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 broadcasters said they are aiming to launch the service in the second half of 2019 and will provide a further update when a formal agreement is reached.
