Shaw Media is moving its ‘TV Everywhere’ approach forward with its new platform, Global Go, which will allow viewers to watch Global programs anywhere at anytime across Canada.
Starting on Thursday, Global Go will let Canadians access live TV streaming whether they are using their home computer, smartphone or tablet. The content can be accessed via web, iOS and Android platforms.
There’s also a catch-up component to the new offering. A selection of “key shows” will have in-season libraries that viewers can access to watch whole seasons for up to 60 days after the finale has aired. Global Go will also feature a two-week look-ahead schedule as well as social integration elements that will allow viewers to share via Facebook and Twitter.
Paul Robertson, president of Shaw Media and group vice-president of broadcasting at Shaw Communications, said Global Go provides new opportunities for the company’s advertisers and distribution partners. “It’s a solid step forward in our TV everywhere offering and in the coming months we are looking forward to working with our partners to roll out more anyplace access to our premium brands,” said Robertson.
For now only subscribers to Shaw, Shaw Direct, Cogeco, Telus and Eastlink can access Global shows by logging in using their cable or satellite subscription credentials to access Global Go on the set-top box VOD and online portals of participating TV service providers. Other service providers will be added in the near future so that their customers also have access to all of Global Go’s features.
In the meantime, Global shows will still be available online or via the app for the first seven days after they are first broadcast for subscribers to TV distributors not included in Thursday’s platform launch.
Global Go is keeping the momentum up on Shaw’s TV Everywhere initiatives. Last year, the company launched Shaw Go, a mobile TV service that lets viewers stream shows on their mobile devices. At the time, Shaw’s vice-president of online experience, Paul Burns, said “consumers want content on their devices. It’s a bring-your-own-internet mentality.”
Shaw Media operates a Canadian conventional TV network that includes Global Television as well as specialty networks from Food Network Canada to Showcase.
