C4 urges Barb to expand into VOD

Channel 4 is calling on Barb to expand into video-on-demand technology - or risk the business model behind such new TV services having to ditch advertising in favour of subscription funding.

C4's sales director Andy Barnes is in talks with the measurement body following the launch of advertising-free VOD services by the broadcaster for two of its biggest shows.

C4 has signed a deal for the VOD rights for Disney's Buena Vista International series, Lost and Desperate Housewives.

But without an established advertising currency, its commercial team is limited to subscription and sponsorship funding.

The first series of Lost became available to download last week, at 99p per episode.

VOD catch-up services for the second series of Desperate Housewives and Lost will launch on 4 May and 9 May respectively.

The VOD services for the shows will be available a week after showing on C4, again at 99p for each episode.

Desperate Housewives sponsor Herbal Essences has signed up to sponsor the VOD version.

No sponsor has yet been signed up for the Lost VOD version.

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