Broadcasters offer programmes via internet

Leading Japanese broadcasters Fuji Television and the Nippon Television Network are preparing TV-over-the-internet services. The move comes as ITV confirms plans to launch a broadband TV service in the autumn, and CBS News launches a news clip service on its web site.

Japanese newspaper the Asahi Shimbun said Fuji would offer a video-on-demand sports and concerts service via the internet later this month. Each programme would cost between 200 yen and 500 yen (£1-£2.50). Nippon plans to launch an on-demand entertainment service via the internet in the autumn. The Asahi Shimbun said Nippon was still working on its pricing plans.

In the UK, ITV chief executive Charles Allen confirmed a broadband service will be launched in the autumn offering downloads of ITV programmes. In an interview with MediaGuardian he also said a children's channel was still planned, possibly with a partner.

Last week, Channel 4 was said to be planning to allow viewers to watch all of its television output simultaneously on the internet. The reported move came as BBC Three unveiled a strategy to broaden its audience by previewing the launch of a new comedy series on a broadband-enabled web site.

This week US broadcaster CBS News launched a free broadband video news clip service on its web site at CBSNews.com. The launch precedes plans for a video-on-demand service.

The web service offers more than 25,000 video clips, including some stories that have not yet been broadcast on television. Rival news networks Fox, ABC, CNN and MSNBC already offer video clips on their web sites.

Larry Kramer, president of CBS Digital Media, said: "This major expansion of CBSNews.com is designed to capture an audience that is increasingly looking for news and information at all times of the day, not just during scheduled periods, and using the internet for that purpose.

"Every component of this re-launch—including greatly enhanced video streaming capabilities, more on-demand features and greater participation from the CBS News correspondents and producers who will also be reporting directly for the web—will dramatically improve the content, delivery and navigation of the web site."

Lovelacemedia  |  15.07.2005

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