ORF ‘eyeing VOD platform’ as Netflix launch looms

Austrian public broadcaster ORF is reportedly in talks to buy domestic video-on-demand portal Filmmit, ahead of Netflix’s planned launch in the country later this year.

According to Austrian newspaper Kurier, negotiations have already taken place, with ORF’s board now due to discuss the matter. Neither ORF nor Filmmit have commented on the speculation.

Filmmit offers Austrian and international films, documentaries and series and claims a catalogue of some 2,000 titles – available on computers, iPad and iPhone and smart TVs.

Netflix announced in May that it is planning a “significant expansion” in Europe later this year, with launches lined up for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

This has led to industry insiders to tip rivals to act before the planned launches later this year.