The BBC finally seems ready to take the iPlayer worldwide, but users will have to pay for the privilege and own an iPad in order to view content. At least for a while, as a subscription-based iPad app is the way the corporation is going.
Global iPlayer
is the BBC’s video-on-demand catchup TV and radio service. It allows those resident in the U.K. to watch or listen to content from the last seven days via their PC or on a range of different devices. My preference is the PS3.
We’ve known the BBC is planning on taking the iPlayer global for a while now. The first mention of such a venture occurred in June 2009, with the plans coming together by August 2010. By November, the BBC Trust had given its approval and a global service was expected to launch sometime in 2011.
iPlayer iPad App
Though we knew a global iPlayer service was on the way, we didn’t know any details. Until now. Not only will the iPlayer be available for those willing to pay for it, it’ll come in the form of an iPad app.
According to Broadcast magazine (via PaidContent), BBC.com managing director Luke Bradley-Jones told the Digital TV Summit:
“There’s a general acknowledgment in the world of VoD that there needs to be a hybrid business model – a combination of subscriptions, download to own and pay per view. I can see the value of that view and I believe it’s the way that the global iPlayer will go in the medium term.”
“However I can announce here that we’re going to be adopting a pure paid subscription model for the global iPlayer for launch – in part to get audiences used to using the service, but more importantly so we can generate additional value from the service in terms of the user data that it gives us. We will also offer advertisers the chance to partner with us on the ‘free’ areas of the service.”
So at launch the global iPlayer will be 100% paid-for, but longer term the BBC will vary things up by offering a range of options, including free content.
Conclusions
This could be huge for the BBC, and generate a potentially massive amount of revenue for the corporation. And for those fans of BBC shows such as Top Gear, Doctor Who, and Merlin, who live abroad, it will give them an opportunity to watch their favorites legally.
