ITN launches Christmas channel on YouTube

ITN's multimedia division has launched a new channel on YouTube featuring over 200 items of original content themed around the Christmas season.

Titled The Christmas Channel, the new service became available today following a partnership between ITN On and Jerusalem Productions.

Content currently available includes Christmas-orientated interviews with Twilight actor Robert Pattinson, and pop singers Leona Lewis and Peter Andre.

The channel will also host festive recipes and mini-documentaries about Christmas toys, pantomimes and music. Jerusalem Productions will further provide a range of original programming, such as animations Xmas Files and A Small Miracle.

ITN intends to support The Christmas Channel with advertising around the videos and a free downloadable application will bring the service to iPhone users.

Commenting on the launch, ITN On commercial director Mark Browning told Broadcast: "This collaboration illustrates how organisations like Jerusalem Productions can engage audiences directly in the digital space by partnering with ITN On.

"With their support we can try out a whole host of exciting new video ideas developed by our in-house team of creatives. Through our relationship with YouTube and our success with existing iPhone apps, we look forward to generating millions of views from this set of originally commissioned content this Christmas."