VOD service SeeSaw to close in June
SeeSaw is to close next month it has been announced, with the internet TV service citing a strategic review by owner Arqiva as the reason.
The service, which offers on-demand content from broadcaster BBC Worldwide, Channel 4 and ITV, had been touted as a one stop shop for online video, housing 3,000 hours of free content. Arqiva has decided that the service is not worth keeping however, announcing that it will close on 20 June.
Arqiva is also a stakeholder in YouView, formerly known as Project Canvas, the still-in-development internet connected TV platform.
A statement from telecommunications company Arqiva reads: “SeeSaw is an excellent service and has provided invaluable insight into the online TV market in the UK. But it no longer fits with the strategic direction in which we are taking Arqiva and requires considerable investment to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
“We have tried to find an investment partner, however this has not proved possible. We have therefore put SeeSaw staff on a 30-day consultation as we need to reach a conclusion by the end of our financial year on 30 June.”
A blog posting from SeeSaw meanwhile thanked users of the platform, saying: “We're sad to announce that next month will be the end of the road for SeeSaw. Launched in February last year, SeeSaw has become a great place to watch TV for millions of UK viewers."
“However, following a strategic review of its business activities Arqiva, our parent company, is no longer able to support the service.
“As it will soon be 'goodbye' from SeeSaw, we'd like to take this opportunity to say a big 'thanks' for all your support, custom and loyalty over the last 16 months.
“We're a small team but we hope we've made a big difference and that you've had fun watching TV with us.”