BBC iPlayer to go international?

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 06:39

Your IT - Home IT

However, there have been many reports since the Trust's decision (eg by the Daily Telegraph) that the BBC is pressing ahead with plans for a US-focussed international iPlayer service.

These reports seem to originate from a story published by PaidContent:UK, in which BBC.com managing director and executive vice president Luke Bradley-Jones described a iPlayer-like (but paid) video-on-demand portal.

He said it would deliver - among other content - "premium" shows such as Doctor Who, Torchwood and Top Gear; catchup for international channels such as BBC America; and material from the BBC archives.

Bradley-Jones notably told PaidContent:UK that "Millions of people love Torchwood and would probably pay 10 bucks an episode rather than two bucks". Episodes of Doctor Who currently sell for $US1.99 at the iTunes Store, with Torchwood - shot in high definition - priced at $US2.99 an episode.

Many commentators have suggested Bradley-Jones is being over-optimistic if he expects to get $US10 per episode. It's possible that he's just making an ambit claim in an attempt to soften up potential purchasers - as in 'oh, $US4 an ep isn't too bad - they were talking about 10 bucks.'

In any case, the proposal would require approval from the BBC Trust before it could proceed.

Bradley-Jones also foreshadowed the availability of paid news and sport apps for multiple mobile platforms.