SeeSaw inks first programming deal, with BBC Worldwide

Soon-to-launch on-demand service SeeSaw has inked its first content deal, with BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of UK public broadcaster the BBC.

It will get Worldwide-distributed content including classic episodes of Doctor Who, episodes of drama series Cranford and Lark Rise to Candleford as well as comedy series including That Mitchell & Webb Look.

See Saw came into being after transmission company Arqiva acquired the assets of Kangaroo, the on-demand joint venture between BBC Worldwide and UK free-to-air broadcasters ITV and Channel 4.

Kangaroo was blocked by the UK Competition Commission earlier this year, clearing the way for the Arqiva deal for the relevant hardware, software and intellectual property for about £8 million.

Arqiva plans to offer a free and pay on-demand service with programming sourced from mainstream broadcasters and distributors.

It already has a relationship with the broadcasters in that it holds the license for two of the six UK digital terrestrial multiplexes and operates the UK DTT infrastructure.