ITV expands broadband TV plans

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ITV is to expand its local online TV service following a successful year-long trial.

ITV Local will begin rolling out to the rest of the UK, region by region, in early 2007 with new functionality and content.

David McCourt, Narrowstep's chairman and interim chief executive said: "We are delighted with the success of the channel and we're really looking forward to our expanded relationship with ITV. One of the reasons it's been such a success is because our service has allowed ITV to focus in on their extraordinary content as well as making the most from the flexibility of our system."

The www.itvlocal.tv trial was conducted in the Meridian region, and broadcast local south coast news, weather, stories and user generated content on the platform.

Mike Fegan, commercial director, ITV Consumer, the division which looks after ITV Local, said: "ITV Local has been a huge success in the Meridian region during the trial phase, and we are preparing to launch the service in London and Central in early 2007."

ITV Local recently announced the acquisition of online business directory service Scoot, and the appointment of its launch managing director, Mohammed Raja.

ITV Consumer (ITVC) was established to build businesses which create and monetise direct consumer relationships for ITV. Led by Jeff Henry, its businesses now include ITV Mobile, ITV.com, ITV Interactive, ITV Local and ITV Play.

Source: Digital Spy