German SVOD Service Watchever Revamped with Branded Channels

September 30, 2015 World Screen Top Stories
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BERLIN: Watchever, a German SVOD service owned by Vivendi, has relaunched its offering with a new structure based on branded channels, compiled by such content partners as BBC Worldwide and The Walt Disney Company.

There are 25 channels available initially, with partners that include CBS Studios International and ZDF Enterprises. The channel-based structure is meant to help viewers discover the varied offerings of Watchever, as users have the opportunity to delve more deeply into the program catalogue. The service operates under the tagline "So much more to discovery."

Karim Ayari, the managing director of Watchever, said: "When we launched our service more than two-and-a-half years ago, we shook up the German video streaming market. We have learned continuously ever since: The viewers want to discover new and diverse content amongst movies, series and concerts. I am very happy that we can take this path in SVOD together with our new and already existing partners. With our unique and pioneering channel-based structure we are generating despite the repute of the brand an increased visibility for our licensors. With the new Watchever we can now ensure that our users won't miss the exciting, relevant shows on Watchever."

"Watchever has been a great partner since we launched our collaboration in 2013," added Alexander Coridass, the president and CEO of ZDF Enterprises. "We are very happy that we now present our high-quality program in a branded ZDF Enterprises-channel at Watchever.”

Isabelle Helle, the managing director of BBC Worldwide Germany, commented, “By continuing our relationship with Watchever, on their innovative new platform, we’re ensuring audiences have a dedicated space to find the program they love. We’re especially excited to be introducing our new brands BBC Brit and BBC First to the German market for the first time, both will sit alongside our established brands BBC Earth and global hit Doctor Who. Together we looking forward to learning how audiences navigate and best enjoy the shows this partnership will offer.”