It’s because I’m such a wide eyed fanboy that, when I get an email from the BBC, I get all giddy and think of myself as very fortunate… “wow… an email from the Beeb….” So with that, I’m going to share with you, what they’ve told me… and it’s actually quite exciting. Basically, us UK residents are to be treated to a new UK on-demand service… a one-stop shop “for over ten thousand hours of quality entertainment content” in a “historic joint venture between three of the UK’s largest broadcasters”. For the first time ever, viewers will have access to a large range of catch-up and archive programming from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

The broadcasters announced today that they are creating, in a commercial three-way joint venture, an on-demand content service in 2008 with the working title of ‘Kangaroo’. According to the press release, the service will “bring together an exciting collection of over ten thousand hours of the very best of the UK broadcasters’ current and archive programming, with the convenience, simplicity and ease of use of one overarching service.”

The UK service will carry a broad range of programming and will be a rich entertainment site where consumers can catch up on recently aired shows and watch old faves. Initially the service will launch as a web based thing and will be available for distribution on other platforms. Content will be available both streamed and downloaded and viewers will be able to watch for free, rent or buy. A name and brand for the new service will be unveiled before launch.

John Smith, Chief Executive Officer of BBC Worldwide said, “This is a historic partnership between the UK’s largest broadcasters. For some time we have wanted to form an alliance with other rights holders in the UK and give viewers an on-demand service with real added value. The new service will contain some of the very best of the UK’s content for consumers to view in one place, which will be both easy to use and great fun. By combining our joint resources we’re really taking control of our destiny in a market that’s moving at a fast pace.”

Michael Grade, Executive Chairman of ITV plc said, “This key strategic move is complementary to our investment in itv.com and further strengthens ITV’s customer proposition online. The joint service has the potential to become an important shop window for UK broadcaster content and a great destination for viewers. The deal is structured so that we each benefit from content being viewed, ensuring that there is significant revenue potential in the growth of the venture for all involved. The joint venture will play an important role, alongside itv.com, Friends Reunited and ITV Local, in delivering our online revenue targets as outlined by us in September.”

Andy Duncan, Channel 4 Chief Executive said, “TV on the internet is a rapidly growing medium as proven by the incredible success that Channel 4 has enjoyed with its 4oD service. We want to continue to build and innovate in this area, giving viewers ultimate control over what they watch and when they watch it, and believe that partnering and sharing expertise is the best way of doing this. We believe this deal will lead to a major step change in the on-demand services offered by UK broadcasters and is good news for independents and the creative community, for advertisers and, above all, for viewers.”

The new service will complement BBC iPlayer, the free catch-up TV service offering hundreds of programmes a week from the last seven days. BBC iPlayer content will be listed within the new service. ITV.com will continue to feature a 30 day catch up facility alongside simulcasts of ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 and a wealth of news, clips, stills, exclusive content and interactivity across and around ITV programming. Channel 4’s website will host a catch-up service including accompanying comprehensive programme information and clips, whilst 4oD will evolve into the new service.

Apart from being able to access all the programmes from the UK’s major channels, isn’t it nice to see everyone playing so nicely together?