[CMA TV] Fwd: ITV's Local TV service launches on Broadband

[Michelle McGuire]

Forwarded From: "Ian Fergusson" <ian.fergusson at bbc.co.uk>

Begin forwarded message:

ITV reinvents local television with on demand broadband service
by Julia Pearlman Brand Republic 18 Oct 2005


LONDON – ITV has unveiled its latest move into on-demand local  
television with the launch of a broadband service developed by  
internet-based video company Narrowstep.

ITV Local is free to watch and features seven channels on a 27/4  
service. It is currently on air as a trial with community channels  
for Hastings and Brighton. The service features local news, weather,  
music, what's on guides, short films, features, entertainment and  
classified ads. There is also the opportunity to check out schedules,  
catch up on television you may have missed, search for a programme  
and see live footage.

If successful, the trial is expected to reach other areas in the UK,  
providing locals with the opportunity to find out the latest news,  
weather and enjoy entertainment features on demand. The service also  
offers an interactive element that allows users to show a short video  
promoting their goods for sale, from homes, cars or lonely hearts.

The broadband television service comes at a time when the number of  
broadband homes in the UK has risen rapidly, transforming the  
opportunities for broadcasting on the internet.

Jeff Henry, director of ITV Consumer, said: "ITV Local will use the  
ITV brand to entertain and inform, build communities and encourage  
participation at a local level.

"If this is successful we believe there is a great opportunity for a  
commercial broadcaster like ITV to move into new markets such as  
local classified advertising. We are very excited about the outcome  
of this trial and I look forward to results in the New Year."


--------------------------
Ian K. Fergusson n Manager, Press & Publicity n  BBC Bristol /  BBC  
West & Southwest
Room 20, Broadcasting House, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR,  
England, UNITED KINGDOM
T (+44)-(0)117-974-2109  Int. 0142109  MOBEX 071-42109 M  
07736-481172  F (+44)-(0)117-923-7147
ian.fergusson at bbc.co.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice n http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature




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