BBC should charge for iPlayer says ex-digital boss

chris

BBC should begin charging users for its iPlayer on-demand service according to the Corporation's former head of digital technology.

Ashley Highfield, who was instrumental in the launch of the iPlayer, says that while the service kick-started the online-TV revolution, now was the time to consider creating a genuine revenue stream from its phenomenal popularity.

Highfield, who is now heading-up online content at Microsoft UK, helping to launch the company's own VOD service, says: "I think the iPlayer was a catalyst to get a lot more content [made available on-demand] in the UK. All boats rise on that, commercial or not."

Highfield's comments will re-ignite the debate as to whether TV licence payers should be forced to fork out yet more cash to enjoy the BBC's programming on demand. Highfield suggests shortening the seven day window which allows users free access to the Beeb's content a week after it is first broadcast would provide opportunities to monetise the content.

"A reasonable question to ask now is about 'windowing'. Is seven days free right or should it be shortened [and should the BBC] get rid of hold-back periods [so commercial companies can more quickly exploit online TV revenues from content]?"


Source: T3