YouTube + BBC partnership

(Credit: CNET Networks)

YouTube is now featuring content from the BBC in the form of two new branded channels, one for BBC local programming, and another for popular television programs on their BBC Worldwide network. A channel with daily clips from BBC News is soon to follow. The BBC won't be offering its programming in its entirety, just promotional clips like extra scenes, previews, recaps, and production diaries.

In light of this, I'd like to see the BBC move to something similar to what American networks have been doing, offering full versions of their content on their Web sites with supplemental advertising snuck in during the show. The BBC had this with their iPlayer project last year, but that has since been shut down for evaluation. Short clips can be fun, but not interesting enough to combat piracy or retain viewership in the long run.

In the meantime, you really should watch this.

[royauty]

Legal obstacles

The BBC is a unique institution that is supported by a licence fee. Each household in the UK that owns a television must pay approximately 500 dollars *each year*. In return they get several (4 at last count) BBC TV channels that are free of paid advertisements and a network of at least five major radio channels. Many people believe this is daylight robbery. Having been in the US for some time I believe it is a total bargain. However, the obvious question is: who pays for the BBC to post their material on the internet? Will the bill be passed to taxpayers once again? They've already paid for it once. On the other hand, if anyone could access BBC material free on-line without paying for it (ie, by a owning a TV in the UK), then those people would be ripping off the UK taxpayers. On a tangential note, a similar debate is raging over scientific literature.
Until this is resolved, don't expect full length programming anytime soon.

[shawshawshaw]

Modernize!

I say its time for the BBC to get into the 21st century. Let them have sponsors for their online programming! And for crying out loud...rename "Radio Times" into television times!

[YANSIEL]

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