Channel 5 returns to Project Canvas

The Project Canvas partners have today welcomed back Channel 5 to the IPTV joint venture after the broadcaster dropped out last month.
In July, the then RTL-owned Five decided to pull out of Canvas as part of a rethink of its digital investment strategy.

However, the renamed Channel 5 has since been acquired by Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell group, which is now working to reshape the loss-making broadcaster.
Alongside a major management restructure and heavy programming investment, Desmond has also agreed to return Channel 5 to Project Canvas.
The firm rejoins fellow terrestrial broadcasters the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 in the project, which aims to upgrade the Freeview and Freesat platforms to support video on-demand and internet services.
“Project Canvas is set to shape the future of broadcasting and open up new and exciting possibilities for viewers,” said Desmond.
“This is important to the future of Channel 5 and having an open internet-connected TV platform fits closely with our plans to bring brilliant new content and interactive services to viewers.
“We’re delighted to renew Channel 5’s commitment to supporting Project Canvas following a review of our digital strategy.”

Canvas director Richard Halton added: “Channel 5 has already made a major contribution to Project Canvas and we’re delighted to have them back on board. This is great recognition of how important Canvas is to the future of television.”
Last week, IP Vision joined Virgin Media in submitting a formal complaint to Ofcom about Canvas, which it believes will “stifle industry innovation, inhibit competition and ultimately restrict consumer choice”.