Telly addicts
A global version of BBC iPlayer will be rolled out next year, having secured the backing of the BBC's Trust.
Jon Smith, the chief exec of the beeb's commercial wing called BBC Worldwide told The Daily Telegraph a global roll-out would take advantage of the ‘under-exploited' demand for UK shows like Doctor Who or Top Gear...although the jury might be out when it comes to Eastenders and Autumn Watch.
An international move could mean advertising could be introduced to iPlayer in a bid to bring in big bucks, unless BBC Worldwide decides to charge viewers for using the service.
While execs are still mulling the pros and cons of both options, the Trust is probably keen to pull in some extra cash after the Government recently froze the licence fee.
It predicts international viewers could be prepared to fork out $10 for one episode of one of the BBC's big hitting shows.
Smith told the newspaper: "Not only will that mean international fans of, for example, Doctor Who can get their fix legitimately, but it has the potential of opening up a new revenue stream for the entire UK production industry, alongside sales to traditional broadcasters."
Meanwhile iPlayer's MD, Luke Bradley-Jones, reportedly said: "Our research has shown there is an international audience of British TV fans that are frequently watching TV online - and we are excited about rolling out our iPlayer VOD [video-on-demand] service to meet and grow this demand. We strongly believe the Global iPlayer is going to offer an excellent opportunity for the UK's creative industry to directly reach much sought after digital audiences and revenue streams around the world."
The BBC's director general, Mark Thompson told attendees of the Edinburgh International Television Festival this summer, that iPlayer would go global by the end of the year.
