The head of BBC Worldwide has told The Telegraph that the BBC Trust has okayed an international version of the popular iPlayer.
Although there has been no official statement from the BBC Trust, BBC Worldwide chief executive John Smith has insisted that the BBC iPlayer will have an international version next year.
Currently the iPlayer is restricted to UK users, but the potential for the video on demand catch up service being offered worldwide is clear.
Legitimate
"Not only will that mean international fans of, for example,Doctor Whocan get their fix legitimately [rather than downloading programmes illegally], but it has the potential of opening up a new revenue stream for the entire UK production industry, alongside sales to traditional broadcasters," said Smith to the Telegraph.
The proposal would see international customers give the chance to watch major BBC shows – but only by paying a fee, something that would help ease some financial pressure on the BBC following the government's decision to freeze the BBC licence fee at the same level.
Luke Bradley-Jones, is the MD of Global iPlayer, and he added "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 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."
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