BBC set to offer iPlayer to Channel 4 and ITV

The BBC is considering plans to offer ITV and Channel 4 the free and open use of its online video catch-up service iPlayer.

The move is thought to be part of the BBC’s response to Ofcom’s public service broadcasting review – the BBC Trust is expected to make a presentation to Ofcom later this week, according to reports.

If the plans go ahead, other broadcaster’s VoD services, such as Channel 4’s 4oD, would be re-branded as iPlayer.

Last week, ITV announced already announced plans to re-brand its catch-up TV service as ITV Player, in order to make it an instantly recognisable VoD brand (see ITV rebrands online VoD service as ITV Player).

The BBC believes that its iPlayer technology is better than the technology used in the private sector, so it would make sense for it to become industry standard across broadcasters.

However, Ofcom will need to decide what technology is of a higher standard and whether the deal would provide the PSBs with enough meaningful assistance.

ITV and Channel 4’s views on the proposed iPlayer deal will also be critical.

Both broadcasters would have access to the BBC’s high-speed digital post-production network if the move goes ahead, which would also potentially help reduce programme-making costs for the corporation.

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