Channel 4 to simulcast online and on TV

Channel 4 is the UK's first broadcaster to air its programmes simultaneously online and on TV

Channel 4 is to broadcast its home-grown programmes online at the same time as they are shown on television, according to chief executive Andy Duncan. 

The IP television service starts on 27 June, with all original Channel 4 content streamed free of charge to registered users on its website. 

Films and acquired shows such as Lost or Desperate Housewives, both of which have on-demand content on the C4 website, will not be included in the stream. However, the broadcaster is negotiating with US studios to add them at a later date. 

The move makes Channel 4 the UK's first broadcaster to air its programmes simultaneously online and on TV.

The BBC makes a selection of its programmes available online for seven days after transmission, although this is on an on-demand basis rather than simulcast. 

Duncan unveiled his ambitious 'Now Media' strategy at last night's New Statesman media lecture.

"I do not see the digital revolution as an attack on Channel 4's power as a public broadcaster. I see it as a fantastic opportunity," he said.

Duncan conceded that "the ever-expanding choice of reception platform is ineluctably eating away at the broadcaster's traditional role", but denied that the digital age meant an end to the TV industry.

"Personal video recorders were supposed to have destroyed broadcast television and the airtime sales business. They haven't yet," he said.

"Internet use is supposed to be galloping ahead of TV viewing. It isn't, except for a particular young demographic who were always light TV viewers anyway."

Duncan believes that TV is at the forefront of the consumer tech revolution.

"For all the hype about the latest broadband and mobile gadgetry, many of the fastest-selling consumer electronics devices are actually to do with traditional TV: Freeview boxes and widescreen LCD and HD sets." 

The next move in Channel 4's new media strategy is full-service video-on-demand, both online and via cable TV, which is expected to launch in late 2006.

The BBC has also revealed ambitions to expand its online offerings. Speaking at a Royal Television Society dinner last month, BBC new media director Ashley Highfield said: "Within a year we aim to offer one of the world's most comprehensive video, audio and text editorialised search services." 

However a live BBC simulcast is unlikely to happen until governors have completed their 'public value test' of the corporation's online iPlayer.