The BBC and ITV have announced a new streaming service which aims to bring the best of both broadcasters’ content to the United States.
The new BritBox streaming service will launch in early 2017 and will initially target the US market.
The highlight will be a “now” section that will offer access to a host of soaps like Emmerdale and Eastenders and drama series, 24-hours after they air in the UK.
This will naturally include shows that are premieres in the US (via Guardian).
Britbox will also offer classic boxsets like Fawlty Towers, Keeping Up Appearances, Cold Feet and Pride and Prejudice.
There’s yet to be an announcement when it comes to the price tag.
Related: How to watch Planet Earth 2 in 4K HDR
Simon Pitts, the MD of online, pay TV and interactive at ITV, said: “BritBox will be the best and most comprehensive British streaming service in the US.
It will offer: “a rich catalogue of classic, new and exclusive shows easily accessible to US viewers in one place.”
Whether Channel 4 and Channel 5 will jump on board to make this actually comprehensive remains to be seen.
Watch The Refresh: The best tech gossip and reviews every week
Does BritBox have a chance at battling for American viewers’ streaming budgets? Share your thoughts below.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.