The station already owned the rights to simulcast shows online,
and from next Tuesday will stream commissioned programmes live to
PCs across the UK. Shows that it broadcasts under licence rather
than commissions – such as US imports and films – are not yet
included, since Channel 4 does not have the rights.
"Channel 4 does not make any programmes, we are a publisher of
programming," said channel spokeswoman Vicky Powell. "We own the
rights to simulcast programmes that we commissioned, but for other
shows there needs to be a special arrangement, such as with Disney
for Lost."
The station has been offering post-screening downloads of US
shows Lost and Desperate Housewives this year, where the station
charges a fee in a deal cut with the original US programme
makers.
"It is our stated aim to make Channel 4's public service
programming available across all meaningful platforms and to be the
first UK broadcaster to begin simulcasting our content on broadband
is a significant step towards delivering on this objective," said
Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan.
The channel will extend its online broadcasting soon when it
offers a video on demand service of all its commissioned
programmes, said Powell. She could not confirm a timeline for the
service but industry sources believe autumn to be a likely launch
date.
After a protracted and bitter dispute over television new media
rights, broadcasters and PACT, a body representing independent
producers in the UK agreed a deal earlier this month for new media
rights over commissioned programmes with BBC, ITV and Channel
4.
It is this deal which allows Channel 4 to launch the video on
demand service. It also prevents the production company from making
the material available online elsewhere for a further five
months.
The rights wrangle stems from a change in the legal structure of
television production 18 months ago when rights in programmes were
reallocated to production companies and not broadcasters. It has
taken since then for PACT and television stations to cut a new
media rights deal.
