BBC gets green light to launch Netflix rival

Corporation in talks with potential partners including ITV and NBC Universal about new subscription service

BBC plans to launch a homegrown rival to Netflix and Amazon Prime are a step closer to reality after the government gave it the green light to launch a new paid-for subscription service.

Corporation chiefs have held talks with potential partners including ITV and NBC Universal, owner of the producer of shows including Downton Abbey, about launching a new subscription streaming service, as revealed by the Guardian in March.