Channel Five has rejoined BBC-led internet protocol TV (IPTV) joint venture Project Canvas.

Five, as it was known then, pulled out of Canvas following a review of its digital investment strategy by former owner RTL (see ERTonline July 12).

However, the channel has since been acquired by Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell Group which made the decision to rejoin its Canvas partners (the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, TalkTalk, BT and Arqiva) in the venture.

Mr Desmond, who is Northern & Shell’s chairman, said: “Project Canvas is set to shape the future of broadcasting and open up new and exciting possibilities for viewers.

“This is important to the future of Channel Five and having an open internet-connected TV platform fits closely with our plans to bring brilliant new content and interactive services to viewers.”

Project Canvas director Richard Halton added: “Channel Five has already made a major contribution to Project Canvas and we’re delighted to have them back on board. This is great recognition of how important Canvas is to the future of television.”