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BBC Future of TV John Whittingdale

BBC and ITV set to launch Netflix rival after government approves subscription service

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By Rebecca Stewart, Trends Editor

May 16, 2016 | 2 min read

The BBC and ITV are braced to launch a Netflix-style streaming service, having been given the green light from the government on the project.

BBC NETFLIX DR WHO

First rumoured months ago, the service is believed to have been giving the working title 'Britflix', and will see the two rivals collaborate to deliver content via iPlayer.

​In a white paper on the future of the BBC, which was published on Thursday (12 May), culture secretary John Whittingdale called on the broadcaster to develop "some form of additional subscription services" over the next few years, in response to a call from the BBC for new powers to levy subscriptions.

A source familiar with the matter told the Times that ITV was involved, alongside several production companies including NBC and Carnival films and that the project was still in the early stages of development.

Previous plans for the platform have indicated that it will be centered around archive content rather than first-runs, and that it would also play host to a number of original commissions from the BBC.

The move means that popular shows like Dr Who and Sherlock, may soon be available for viewers to binge watch.

BBC Future of TV John Whittingdale

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