ITV.com to relaunch within weeks

[BGonaSTICK]

ITV has revealed the new version of its ITV.com website, with free to access to ITV programmes.

The site offers live streaming, a 30-day catch up service and programmes exclusive to the site. Estimated to have cost around £20 million, it will be available to viewers within the next few weeks.

Users will also have access to the network's programme archive, 'behind-the-scenes' programming, games and user-generated content.

Executive chairman Michael Grade said: "Today we are combining the best of TV with the best of the web to create a service unrivalled by any other commercial broadcaster, anywhere in the world. Some are already streaming their channels, some are providing catch-up, and some building their archive, but ITV.com will provide all three."

A team of 40 online content editors and multimedia producers will work with channel commissioners and programme makers to make 'made-for-broadband' content. The first of these is Web Lives, a documentary from award-winning filmmaker Roger Graef of Films of Record, which will see members of the public tell their 'stories' in short 3-minute episodes.

ITV's major sporting events including the Champions League, UEFA Cup and Tour De France will also be available to view.

Earlier this week the BBC Trust gave the nod for the Corporation's on-demand service, BBC iPlayer. Channel 4 already has an on demand service, 4oD.