BBC global iPlayer iPad app will be pure paid subscription

iPlayer - could be a big global brand
iPlayer - could be a big global brand

The BBC's global iPlayer iPad app will launch on a 'pure paid subscription model' allowing the rest of the world to pay to watch the likes of Top Gear and Dr Who on their tablets.

According to Broadcast, BBC.com managing director Luke Bradley-Jones told the Digital TV Summit,that the eagerly awaited app would evolve into a hybrid model, but at launch would be a paid subscription model.

"There's a general acknowledgement in the world of VOD that there needs to be a hybrid business model – a combination of subscriptions, download to own and pay per view," said Bradley-Jones.

Medium term

"I can see the value of that view and I believe it's the way that the global iPlayer will go in the medium term," he continued

"However I can announce here that we're going to be adopting a pure paid subscription model for the global iPlayer for launch – in part to get audiences used to using the service, but more importantly so we can generate additional value from the service in terms of the user data that it gives us.

"We will also offer advertisers the chance to partner with us on the 'free' areas of the service."

Although the BBC does already offer its shows through the likes of iPlayer, an own-branded product available globally could well be a major money-spinner for Auntie.

The ultimate aim for the BBC would be to become a truly global player in on-demand broadcast.

Broadcast via Paid Content

Patrick Goss

Patrick Goss is the ex-Editor in Chief of TechRadar. Patrick was a passionate and experienced journalist, and he has been lucky enough to work on some of the finest online properties on the planet, building audiences everywhere and establishing himself at the forefront of digital content.  After a long stint as the boss at TechRadar, Patrick has now moved on to a role with Apple, where he is the Managing Editor for the App Store in the UK.