Broadcasters BBC and ITV have confirmed plans for a joint UK streaming service in the wake of competition from the likes of Netflix and Amazon.
They said that talks for the service, to be called BritBox, are “in the concluding phase”.
It is expected that others will join the service, to put British boxsets and original series, on demand, in one place.
The broadcasters said it would boast the biggest collection of British content on any streaming service and will feature “old favourites”, recent shows and new commissions produced specifically for BritBox.
BBC and ITV confirm proposals for BritBox – a new transformational streaming service: https://t.co/LAPQhbfiyc pic.twitter.com/z4qgqKmy7Q
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) February 27, 2019
ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “BritBox will be the home for the best of British creativity – celebrating the best of the past, the best of today and investing in new British originated content in the future.”
BBC Director-General Tony Hall said the streaming service would be “truly special”.
“A new streaming service delivering the best home-grown content to the public who love it best,” he said.
“The service will have everything from old favourites to recent shows and brand new commissions. It’s an exciting time for the viewing public.”
The service is expected to launch later this year.
The cost of subscriptions has not yet been revealed.
The BBC and ITV said they have enjoyed success with their BritBox streaming service in the US.