BBC looks to launch online radio player for all stations

chris

LONDON - The BBC is looking to create a new version of its iPlayer for commercial radio, allowing listeners to record or catch-up on their favourite programmes regardless of the broadcaster.

According to The Guardian, BBC head of audio and music Tim Davie believes an online radio player for all broadcasters could be available by the end of 2009.

Davie said: "Why shouldn’t we be able to live pause, put it on hard drive, grab stuff from the past seven days and pre-book on the radio as well as TV."

It is believed the plan is part of the BBC's strategy to deflect criticism amid calls for the licensing fee to be reviewed by partnering with commercial broadcasters. This includes collaborating with rivals on regional news programme production.

The move follows the Competition Commission’s decision to end Project Kangaroo, the partnership between the BBC Worldwide, Channel 4 and ITV which would have made the broadcasters’ content available on demand.

Andrew Harrison, chief executive of radio broadcasters trade body Radio Centre, was positive about the plans. He added that it should not be confused with Kangaroo as the online radio player would be available to all broadcasters.

In other radio news it has emerged car manufacturers Renault, Peugeot and Vauxhall are all considering fitting digital radios as standard in their cars.


Source:brandrepublic