Paramount is to merge My5 – the catch-up app for its UK broadcaster Channel 5 – with Pluto TV to create what it bills as a “supersized, free streaming service” for UK viewers.
Work is already underway on the new service which will be powered by Pluto TV’s technology platform and offer a combination of live channels, catch-up, archive and FAST channels.
Branding for the new service will be unveiled early next year with a launch expected in the second half of 2024.
Maria Kyriacou, President, Broadcast & Studios, Paramount International Markets, said: “As we look ahead to an IP-delivered future, this is the right time for us to fully leverage the Paramount ecosystem and combine the reach and scale of our free-to-air network in the UK with the global success of our FAST service, Pluto TV.
“We’re well underway with work on this product, and I’m incredibly excited about the content and user experience we’ll be able to offer our audiences and our advertising partners when we launch next year.”
Olivier Jollet, EVP and General Manager Pluto TV, Paramount International Markets, added: “As an early pioneer of FAST globally, we’ve seen incredible growth and excitement for Pluto TV in markets around the world.
“By joining forces with our leading BVOD platform in the UK, we are offering audiences, partners, and clients a supersized free streaming destination that we know they’ll love.”