ITV boss reveals future of broadcaster’s channels amid major streaming shake-up
ONE of ITV’s bosses has revealed the future of the broadcaster’s channels amid a major streaming shake-up.
With increasing numbers of telly watchers consuming programmes online rather than through terrestrial channels, one of ITV’s bosses has revealed its future.
The broadcaster previously announced it will be closing down its kids’ channel CITV after 17 years on air.
It said it would move its slate of programming to its new streaming platform ITVX.
At the time ITV blamed a shift in viewing habits for the move.
And now Polly Hill, the station’s head of drama, has revealed the future of the rest of its channels.
She said it’s “proving harder and harder” to get audiences to watch the same content on its broadcast channels.
Speaking at the Wales Screen Summit, she said: “It’s about the future of ITV – we [felt like we] were the last people for whom the live viewing really matters.
“The main channel is not going anywhere.
“But you have to go with audience appetites – they don’t watch the channel in that way.”
She added: “It’s all about not having just one hit to get the audience to content.
“You can make a brilliant show and it feels like it disappears. Doesn’t all have to be Monday or Wednesday at 9pm.”
ITVX was rolled out towards the end of last year and replaced the ITV Hub, offering exclusive shows and providing 10,000 hours of TV.
A number of new shows have made their debut on the platform before being broadcast on TV, including Without Sin, starring Vicky McClure.