BBC Worldwide, C4 'agree Arqiva deals'

Arqiva has signed content deals with Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide to carry their programming on its new video on demand platform, according to The Daily Telegraph.

It was announced yesterday that the transmission firm has completed it legal acquisition of the technology developed for the ill-fated IPTV joint venture Project Kangaroo.

Using this technology, the company plans to launch its own VOD service in the UK In the "coming months" to host a variety of free-to-air and pay TV content from broadcasters and independent providers.

A high ranking source in the media industry told the newspaper that Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide have now agreed content deals for Arqiva's new platform.

Speaking about the deals, the source said: "This is interesting because it shows Channel 4 is going down the non-exclusive route when deciding which platform it will syndicate its catch-up programming to.

"BBC Worldwide have already signed similar deals for their archive material with MSN Video and BlinkBox. However, this will be the first long form content deal Channel 4 has signed - allowing its programmes to be seen in full away from 4oD. It has signed this deal while still in talks with other similar platforms."

This speculation also follows a report this week that ITV is close to taking a major stake in the US video on demand joint venture Hulu and make its programming available for the forthcoming UK launch.