The co-founder of bodyshop management system Bodymaster has launched his own internet web channel RepairerTV.com.

Jon Parker, now managing director of Byteback Systems, created the station after seeing a similar idea in the US and gaining support from the industry.

“We are an IT company which provides services for the bodyshop industry and we have a video production company; it was the next logical step,” he said.

RepairerTV is funded by sponsors and advertisers, and is free to view.

Parker said Byteback had done a lot of market research and has strong links with insurers.

Growing interest

He estimates at least 75% of bodyshops have the internet and thinks there will be sufficient interest: “Going by ABP Club hits, bodyshops spend quite a lot of time online. If it’s helpful, then it makes sense.”

He added that it was possible to view the station anywhere through a computer, as long as there is normal broadband connection and sound.

If viewers don’t have sound, they can get a free headset from RepairerTV by subscribing online.

The station has five channels – industry initiatives, bodyshop business, a technical channel, training channel and product profiles. Three to four programmes will be added each week to the channels. 

Byteback has agreements with five car manufacturers to supply information for the technical channel. 

The first new vehicle to feature will be the Toyota IQ, launching in 2009.

RepairerTV isn’t the first motor industry TV initiative. BSkyB launched an automotive channel in 2000 for dealers but it lasted six months before fizzling out.