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Channel 4 signed the deal with producers' association Pact, which also allows it to air programmes on mobile and via cable as on-demand programming.

The deal has been in the process of negotiation since January when Ofcom called on broadcasters and independents to reach agreement on new-media rights without the need for regulatory intervention.

The channel is planning to launch a series of video-on-demand channels in the autumn across all major on-demand platforms, including online and cable TV.

Channel 4 has already experimented with broadband transmissions, allowing its audience to download two episodes of its popular US import 'Lost' for free with 99p an episode charged after that.

Other broadcasters including MTV, Flextech and ITV have also conducted similar broadband and mobile trials.

Earlier this week, the BBC and Pact have finalised a similar deal giving BBC audiences the chance to view their programmes across all platforms and allowing independent production companies greater freedom to exploit newmedia rights. That deal was first to be struck on new-media rights by Pact and a major UK broadcaster.

Under its deal, Channel 4 will have the exclusive right to distribute its programmes via its own video-on-demand service for 30 days after the programme's first TV transmission on a free, pay-per-view or subscription package basis. Producers will receive either a share of pay revenue or a royalty payment if the service is offered free.

The deal gives the parties the option to agree rights for a longer period and keeps Channel 4 commissions off rival on-demand services for a further five months.

The channel has undertaken that all its commissioned programmes will be made available via its video-on-demand to PC service. This allows audiences to access Channel 4 programmes when and where they want to watch them.

Andy Duncan, Channel 4 chief executive, said: "This deal is of major importance to Channel 4 in securing us the exclusive 30-day window we need to launch a full on-demand service in the autumn and protection for the Channel 4 brand.

"I believe it will help cement the symbiotic relationship that we have enjoyed with the independent production sector since Channel 4 first came on air in 1982."

In other news, Channel 4 has re-signed chef Gordon Ramsay to a four-year extended "golden handcuffs" deal. As part of the deal, Ramsay will make a series of new shows for the channel in addition to the 'The F Word' and 'Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares', and means he will stay with the channel until 2011.

Sue Murphy, head of Channel 4 features, said: "We have ambitious plans for Gordon."

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