Kangaroo video offer set for a June launch

The planned video-on-demand joint venture service from BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4, codenamed Kangaroo, is set for a June launch.

The date was unveiled after BBC Worldwide, which along with its partners has been tight-lipped about the launch of Kangaroo, asked ad technology provider DoubleClick to approach some of the media agencies that use its web advertising network to attend a private briefing for Kangaroo.

It is understood that ITV or Channel 4 would sell ads around BBC content on behalf of the public broadcaster. The service, which is still to be named, but is operating under the project name Kangaroo, will act as a single destination for more than 10,000 hours of content from the three broadcasters.

The launch plan for the service emerged at a recent strategy meeting between BBC Worldwide sales executives and agencies including OMD, MediaCom and I-Level.

BBC Worldwide head of commercial sales Colin Lawrence said the meeting discussed revenue generating opportunities via VoD.

OMD deputy head of TV Matt Wigham said it was "refreshing" to be included in the debate.

"Our view is that these guys have the content to make this work and that advertisers would be keen to become involved," he said.

Five's head of digital media Jonathan Lewis said the broadcaster was still in discussions with the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV about joining the platform.

It is also preparing to relaunch Five Download this spring. He said: "It is important for us to launch Five Download as soon as possible. In tandem with that, there are discussions on Kangaroo."

The broadcasters' own VoD offerings, such as the BBC's iPlayer, will continue to run in parallel to Kangaroo, which will focus on paid-for and ad-funded archived and original content. Thinkbox chief executive Tess Alps said: "We have high hopes for Kangaroo. It will be interesting to see if the TV brands are more or less appealing than a third-party brand."