ITV will charge for content over Sky: creep of paid-for content

ITV will launch paid-for HD channels on Sky in a deal that sees ITV charging for content for the first time.

ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD, and ITV4 HD will launch as part of Sky+HD’s subscription
package of channels in autumn 2010. The channels will be available to all homes
subscribing to a Sky+HD subscription.

While ITV will maintain all their free channels, this marks a move towards paid-for content. The launch assumes that customers are prepared to shell out for high definition.

The channels will show all the top ranking ITV shows including Britain’s Got More Talent, The Xtra Factor and I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out of Here Now! ; original drama such as the third series of Secret Diary of a Call Girl; and acquired content including Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl, and a range of top movies.

The deal is with Sky of course, part of the Murdoch empire, who are pioneering the charge for content model online with The Times newspaper.

ITV Chief Exec Adam Crozier said: “Pay television has seen continual growth over the last decade and this deal is a great example of how a new, subscription-based launch, can complement ITV’s existing free-to-air channels.”

ITV HD will come bundled with the Sky HD+ subscription for anyone buying the HD box
There are currently 43 channels available with the box.

see more on ITV HD