BBC iPlayer could host Channel 4 shows as public service broadcasting seeks to survive Sky absorbing ITV
Talks are ongoing that could see Channel 4 content become available to stream on the BBC iPlayer
BBC and Channel 4 have once again held talks over content sharing on the iPlayer streaming service, the Beeb’s new director general has confirmed – a move that could see Bake Off return to a BBC platform in a roundabout way.
The potential for the BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 to share programming for on demand viewing appears to be growing in response to Sky’s bid to absorb ITV and ITV X into its enormous media empire that spans the Atlantic.
The UK’s public service broadcasters could find a way to boost their respective propositions with Matt Brittin telling the UK government’s media and culture select committee:
“All of these deals are driven by the need to have scale. Channel 4 looks very subscale. One opportunity for them would be in partnership with the BBC — having content on iPlayer but continuing to be ad-funded,” he said (via The Times)
“We’ll explore that as quickly as we’re able because I think that’s something that’s going to be important for public service media,” he said, adding that there were a host of logistical and technical hurtles to overcome to make this a reality.”
For its part, Channel 4 seems open to greater collaboration between the platforms in the hope of growing their respective businesses.
“Greater collaboration can help improve audience outcomes, reduce duplication of technology and distribution costs and strengthen the ability of UK public service media to compete with global platforms,” Channel 4 said in a statement responding to Brittin’s comments.
“Approached in the right way, stronger digital co-operation could help UK public service content achieve greater scale and visibility without undermining plurality or the distinctiveness of individual services.”
Both the Beeb and Channel 4 face an uphill struggle to compete on home soil with an aligned Sky and ITV, not to mention the omnipresence of Netflix, YouTube and the prominence of all the other streaming services.
Personally, I’m most worried about Sky absorbing all of the live sports that ITV has the rights to and putting them behind the paywall. I’m also concerned about ITN and Sky News remaining independent of each other.
Sky has pledged distinct editorial identities, but I’ll believe that when we see it.
Chris Smith
