TV-tastic
YouView has formally invited content providers who want to make their programmes available on its BBC-backed open internet-connected TV venture, to come forward.
YouView, which was formerly known as Project Canvas is bankrolled by the UK's major TV channels and has recently escaped investigation by Ofcom, after Sky and Virgin Media raised concerns about competition. However, the regulator decided it is too early to assess YouView's competitive impact.
YouView's invitation marks the launch of its industry engagement programme, which aims to gather the ‘widest possible range of content types for viewers'.
The first phase of the programme will identify a handful of audio and VoD content providers that can work with YouView's technical team to develop and test processes for making content available on the new platform. It will then start working on web apps and IP channels.
YouView is simultaneously inviting curious content providers to register their interest in being updated on the availability of tools and guidelines as they develop throughout the technical innovation phase and beyond. It is also appealing for technology and service providers to come forward that are able to support content provision via YouView.
"Our ambition is to open up the TV screen to content providers who until now have been unable to build an audience, bringing viewers a brilliant choice of content," said Richard Halton, CEO of YouView.
"YouView is creating an open environment for content providers to play in and this will take some technical innovation. To develop the most effective processes for content providers we need to at first work closely with a few that can prove our model and ensure it's scalable. Our plan is to extend the programme out as we start to build common expertise and get more great content on board," he added.
