UK’s Channel 4 planning global AVOD service

Alex Mahon

UK broadcaster Channel 4 is planning to launch a new international AVOD streaming service.

The as-yet-unnamed streamer would form part of the company’s plans to expand its brand outside of the UK, with the new ad-supported service mirroring its existing All4 BVOD.

It would offer content from Channel 4-backed drama brand Walter Presents, as well as current affairs series Dispatches and news programming.

Speaking during a virtual presentation at the launch of Channel 4’s new Leeds HQ yesterday, CEO Alex Mahon said: “The Channel 4 brand commands huge creative respect internationally – whether it is through the global formats that we help create, the strength of our international news, or the success of Film4.

“We think that we have the opportunity to preserve what makes us British and distinctive whilst building our business even more outside the UK, find more ways to support and incentivise global growth for production partners while extending Channel 4’s reach, growing our revenue streams and projecting British culture and values abroad.

“A more expansive Channel 4 can doubtless benefit both the UK creative economy and the nation.”

When quizzed, Mahon declined to offer details on potential launch territories for the service or how soon it may arrive.

The announcement comes as the UK government is currently consulting on a potential privatisation of the public broadcaster.

While the government has made the case that privatisation could secure the broadcaster’s future, many, including its CCO Ian Katz, believe that “what is special about the channel would be destroyed.”