ITV has announced that it is set to launch a new free streaming service later this year \u2013 with original shows set to launch weekly on the new platform.<\/p>\n

Titled ITVX, the streamer will also allow viewers to watch the nation\u2019s biggest events streamed live, and will include exclusive themed channels and an ever-changing library of blockbuster movies.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, all the channel\u2019s regular drama and comedy ITV commissions will become available as soon as the first episode has aired on linear channels, with a similar plan in place for some reality series.<\/p>\n

And there will also be the opportunity for viewers to upgrade to a premium subscription \u2013 at an as-yet unannounced price point \u2013 which will remove adverts from the platform and allow additional access to BritBox and \u201cfuture SVOD content partners\u201d.<\/p>\n

One new exclusive series that has already been announced for the platform is Spy Among Friends, which will star Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce, and tells the true story of Soviet double agent Kim Philby, based on Ben Macintyre\u2019s non-fiction best-seller of the same name.<\/p>

Speaking about the launch, ITV\u2019s Chief Executive Carolyn McCall said: \u201cThe digital acceleration we are announcing today builds on everything we have achieved in phase one of our More Than TV strategy.<\/p>\n

\u201cITVX will be a free service supported by adverts, with a compelling subscription proposition. This is fantastic for viewers \u2013 it will provide a simplified and seamless experience with thousands of hours of free content made up of both library and original exclusive content.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe subscription tier will provide a premium offering and includes all of the content ad-free as well as BritBox and future SVOD content partners.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, ITV\u2019s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo added: \u201cViewing habits are changing rapidly and ITV has exciting plans which we are announcing today to really scale up our streaming ambitions, offering viewers a service with more fresh, free content dropping every week than anywhere else.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur broadcast channels are very important to what we do, and we are still focused on delivering what ITV does better than anyone in commercial TV \u2013 creating programmes that bring audiences together \u2013 in-the-moment, in their millions, for that shared viewing, scheduled TV experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever we know we have to deliver our programmes to as many people as possible in all the ways they want to watch them, and going forward viewers will now see a wide array of shows premiering first on ITVX, which is the cornerstone of ITV\u2019s digital acceleration.\u201d<\/p>\n

And ITV\u2019s Managing Director of Streaming Rufus Radcliffe pointed out that 2021 was a record year for ITV Hub and BritBox \u2013 \u201cgiving us strong foundations from which to supercharge our streaming strategy\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are investing significantly in new and exclusive programmes which will be free to stream, and also in technology and product design to make the viewer experience and interface a premium one on ITVX,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

ITV says that until the launch, ITV Hub will continue as the broadcaster\u2019s streaming home, with plans in place to increase the library prior to the debut of ITVX.<\/p>\n

\n
The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now \u2013\u00a0subscribe now<\/a>\u00a0to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, l<\/strong>isten to the\u00a0Radio Times podcast<\/a>\u00a0with Jane Garvey.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/body><\/html>\n
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