The BBC's new director-general, Matt Brittin, has confirmed that the corporation is exploring a major upgrade to its iPlayer service that could see content from Channel 4 added to the platform. In an effort to compete with global streaming giants, the BBC has approached Channel 4 about the possibility of a 'sovereign streaming platform'.
Talks Underway for Collaboration
Brittin revealed that the BBC has had "an approach and a discussion" with Channel 4 about a potential partnership. He stated, "There is an opportunity in the long run to have a sovereign streaming platform in the UK — I use that word carefully." The new boss emphasized the importance of UK content, noting, "Where do you go for quality UK content? The BBC is the biggest commissioner, but Sky-ITV remains an important commissioner, and others can too."
iPlayer's Potential Role
Brittin described the opportunity to "build on the incredible reach and success of iPlayer." He characterized Channel 4 as looking "very subscale" compared to the ITV-Sky merger. "One opportunity for it would be to have content on iPlayer in partnership with the BBC but continue to be ad-funded," he explained. He acknowledged that there are "an array of commercial audience, public service and technical issues, but we will explore that as quickly as we are able to because that will be important for public service media."
Channel 4's Challenges
Meanwhile, Channel 4's new chief executive, Priya Dogra, a former senior executive at Sky, has launched a comprehensive review expected to result in job losses. A senior TV industry executive involved in talks with the BBC said, "The BBC is a bit of a Death Star of an organisation to try to partner with; they like a lot of sovereign power, but they are now probably the only game in town for Channel 4." The executive added that the government, culture department, and UK Government Investments are asking, "What is the plan?" The plan cannot be to carry on as it is now, as things are "a lot worse than when privatisation was averted." The executive concluded, "Channel 4 will have to do something radical in the next few years."
