BBC shifts focus to iPlayer as main platform for distribution
VIDEO on-demand is set to take a leap forward as the BBC places its iPlayer service as the corporation’s primary platform for showing programmes.
BBC director general Tony Hall revealed the changes in a speech yesterday – his first since returning to the corporation in April – where he outlined his vision for the future of BBC broadcasting.
iPlayer is set to receive programmes not yet aired as well as increasing the services catch up period from seven to 30 days after a programme has aired.
Hall also announced plans to launch BBC Store, a commercial service where people in Britain and overseas can buy programmes online, and BBC Playlister to tag music on the BBC to make playlists using services like Spotify, Deezer and YouTube.
He unveiled plans to bolster the corporation’s television channels with increased investment in drama and entertainment and launching a BBC One +1 channel.
“The new generation of BBC iPlayer is set to transform our relationship with audiences. In the coming years, for many people BBC iPlayer is going to be the front door to our programming and the experience they have is going to be a world away from that of a traditional ‘one to many’ broadcaster,” said Hall.