BBC to share iPlayer with rivals

 

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Posted on 11 Dec 2008 at 18:41

BBC could share its popular iPlayer service with ITV and Channel 4, the corporation has said. The move is part of the BBC's proposal to help the UK's public service broadcasters after the switch to digital TV.

BBC could also allow other networks to use its local news facilities, and "share the benefits of its scale and security with the rest of the industry".

"Through partnerships I believe broadcasters can help secure the future of public service broadcasting in this country," said director general Mark Thomson.

ITV, Channel 4 and Five currently produce public service broadcasting in exchange for free access to the airwaves. After the nation completely switches to digital TV in 2012, those channels will have compete with a multitude of other media organisations, said the BBC, and they'll find it harder to produce a wide range of programmes.

In response, the BBC is offering other TV networks use of the technology the BBC has designed, to create their own versions of the iPlayer, which allows viewers and listeners to catch up on programmes they may have missed.

BBC said it will also team up with BT and ITV to explore ways of developing a common standard for delivering programmes to TV sets via the internet.

"We were looking for ideas that would offer substantial and sustainable new value for the industry and - just as important - for audiences," said BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons.

However, while Channel 4 may embark on a partnership with BBC Worldwide, chief executive, Andy Duncan wasn't particularly overwhelmed by the BBC's proposal.

"This is overdue recognition from the BBC that it should be using its privileged position to help support the broader public service ecology," he said.

"However, with the exception of the suggested partnership with BBC Worldwide, we don't believe these proposals offer any tangible financial benefit for Channel 4."

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota