22 June 2006
Terrestrial television firm ITV has announced that it has reached an agreement that will see a number of programmes become available on the internet to broadband subscribers.
Its deal with the producer's industry body Pact also means that viewers will be able to catch up on any programmes they missed up to 30 days after the broadcast.
Simon Shaps, director of television for ITV said the deal was "great news for ITV's viewers who in future will have much greater flexibility in how and when they watch their favourite shows".
He added: "These modernised terms of trade mean we are now fit for purpose for the digital age." Alex Graham, Pact chairman, said: "The new holdback policy will enable producers to release more programmes earlier to the secondary UK TV market."
The BBC and Channel 4 have already signed similar deals with the organisation. The BBC currently allows programmes to be viewed up to a week after the original broadcast.