UK broadcaster plays catch up with the BBC

Channel 4 is to make a selection of its hit shows available through iTunes in the UK, including Shameless, Skins, Peep Show and Black Books.

The latest episodes of current shows will not be available for download until the day after transmission. Channel 4 is pricing the cost of its shows to match the BBC at £1.89 per episode.

The announcement is part of an escalation of Channel 4's digital media strategy following news of a £50m creative fund for digital media projects.

"Digital technology transforms our audiences' ability to create, access and engage with our content," said Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan.

"This makes it easier for us to identify the best new British creativity and bring it to a wider UK audience, and catalyse a new generation of digital media production companies."

The move follows a similar announcement by BBC Worldwide last month to offer around 10 TV series, including Life on Mars and Torchwood, as paid downloads on iTunes.