Digital channel owner UKTV is to launch Video on Demand (VoD) services for its three free-to-air channels, Dave, Yesterday and Really.
Co-owned by BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks International, UKTV broadcasts its network of digital channels on Cable, Freeview and Sky.
It recently announced Video on Demand agreements with TalkTalk and BT Vision who will make content available via their branded players on YouView and provides VoD content for Sky’s Anytime+ service.
Through Dave, UKTV is to screen a brand-new series of Red Dwarf and its Really channel is the UK home of hit US spy drama Covert Affairs.
The company says its “curated” VoD services will provide a mix of catch up and archive programming that can be viewed via each channel’s website.
Darren Childs, CEO UKTV, commented: “UKTV is investing more money in content than ever before and it is important we are servicing our viewers by enabling them to access Dave, Yesterday and Really directly for the very first time, through our On Demand Players – three vibrant and curated, direct to viewer, player services.
“Part catch-up and part-archive, On Demand will offer the best of these populist channels – whether catching up on the brand new Red Dwarf X at Dave On Demand, or watching the top-rating factual series Museum Secrets all over again on Yesterday On Demand.”
Ben Hine, UKTV’s Director of Operations, Technology and Innovation, commented: “UKTV’s brand new VOD services mean we can better serve our fans, ensuring they can catch up on some of their favourite programmes while also accessing a selection of shows from our archive.
“These VOD services will also offer an incremental opportunity for advertisers to engage with our brands and thus present a new revenue opportunity for UKTV.”