(Alliance News) - ITV PLC on Friday said its streaming service ITVX "enjoyed a strong launch month", after its debut on December 8.

The London-based television broadcaster and content producer said ITVX, the company's new, free, ad-funded streaming service, delivered a 55% increase in ITV streaming hours in the first month after its launch, compared with the same period a year ago.

The company said ITV's online users also increased by 65% in comparison to last year.

ITV said the late stages of the football World Cup were big draws, while ITVX's exclusive content also performed strongly, attracting new viewers to the platform.

Chief Executive Officer Carolyn McCall said: "It is great to see so many new viewers coming into ITVX. The football World Cup has been an important part of that. Excluding the football, our underlying streaming viewing during the month was up 29% year on year and we continue to see strong year on year growth in January.

"Away from live streaming, viewers have welcomed our strong slate of commissioned launch titles exclusive to ITVX, with many viewers coming from harder to reach audiences."

ITV shares were up 1.7% at 78.90 pence per share on Friday morning in London.

By Harvey Dorset, Alliance News reporter

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