BBC to sell shows through iTunes

by Staff, Brand Republic 19-Feb-08, 09:00

LONDON - BBC Worldwide is to sell BBC shows including 'Ashes to Ashes', 'Little Britain' and 'Robin Hood' for download through iTunes in the UK for £1.89, after reaching a deal with Apple.

It is the first time the BBC has charged money for viewing its shows online. So far it has distributed clips through video sharing sites and makes some of its programming available through its own iPlayer, launched last Christmas.

However, the iPlayer service only makes programming available for seven days. It includes top BBC programmes in its programme list with the 'Doctor Who' Christmas special proving to be the most popular.

Recently aired programmes, such as 'Ashes to Ashes', will be available on iTunes after they have been made available on the BBC iPlayer.

Simon Danker, director of digital media at BBC Worldwide, said: "We want to give audiences a wide variety of options on how and where to view their favourite BBC shows. With more people now choosing to watch TV shows on their iPods, fans of series such as The Mighty Boosh and The Catherine Tate Show can now enjoy those shows wherever they are."

Eddy Cue, Apple's vice-president of iTunes, said: "Television programming has been incredibly popular with iTunes customers in the UK. We're thrilled to add hit programming from the BBC, with favourites including the latest ratings winner, 'Ashes to Ashes'."

Last month, the BBC said that its iPlayer service screened more than 3.5m programmes in the first two weeks after its launch on Christmas Day.

BBC Worldwide also signed a deal last month with MySpace, establishing a BBC channel hosting clips from programmes such as 'Doctor Who' and 'Top Gear'.

This followed a similar deal with Google's YouTube last March.

The BBC is currently working with ITV and Channel 4 on Project Kangaroo, which will lead to the creation of a single online destination for all three broadcaster's content later this year. The business model is understood to be a mix of advertising-supported and paid-for content.