The BBC is considering charging web users to watch TV programmes using its iPlayer catch-up TV service. Update: BBC: no plans to charge for iPlayer.
The BBC iPlayer is currently free and offers UK web access to TV and radio shows that have previously been broadcast on its channels. However, one of a number of ideas currently being mulled over by the corporation includes the introduction of a 'pay-per-view' system.
The BBC told The Guardian it was not planning to create a "two-tier" licence fee system, and was instead simply "a micropayment to cover costs including payments that would have to be made to programme makers for the rights".
"We never stop future-gazing at the BBC and there are always a number of new ideas under discussion. Any such ideas would need to be developed in conjunction with the industry and with rights-holders and they would certainly not lead to a two-tier licence fee," the BBC added.
ITV has already revealed plans to charge web users to access bespoke content that will only be made available through its ITV Player online TV service.
In July last year, the broadcaster said it will begin a trial of paid-for internet-only shows or 'webisodes' of its popular shows such as Coronation Street and The Only Way is Essex at the start of this year.
However, it confirmed shows that have already been broadcast on TV will remain free to watch via the online catch-up TV service. Although ITV did not say how much the 'webisodes' will cost or whether they'll be subject to a one-off fee or a monthly subscription.
Have your say in our poll: Should the BBC charge for iPlayer use?
Comments
LevonTostig said: Too easy to solve BBC license shows to Netflix and Hulu and whatever isnt on iTunes get on to iTunes Shows that are worth watching will be paid for by the global market
sirjohng said: The TV Licence Fee is for the use of a television receiver with which to watch ANY TV programmes thusA television licence is required for each household where television programmes are watched as they are broadcast irrespective of the signal method terrestrial satellite cable or the Internet A licence is not required however if you use your television only to watch DVDs or play video games or you only watch programmes on your computer after they have been shown on TVThe licence fee is used almost entirely to fund the BBCs domestic radio television and internet services The money received from the fee represents approximately 75 of the cost of these services with most of the remainder coming from the profits of BBC Worldwide
uksnapper said: I made enquiries about getting a copy of a programme a couple of years ago as a house I was living in at the time was featured in itWhen I got the appropriate form to fill out and return along with my cheque for 150 I decided that it was overpriced so did not purchaseIm happy to pay modest fees for visual entrainment via the internet as an alternative to an annual licence feepaying only for what I would watch and being able to watch archived programmes would be very useful
Johnyboy said: Oh dear here we go again 40p a day for 24 hour access to ALL Freeview television including 4 HD channels Come on I am a pensioner now but I started thinking about how to pay for things when I retired years ago it is called budgeting Free bus passes special concessionary rates to enter practically any venue cafes restaurants that have special concessionary days the list goes on Try living where there is no Beeb as Matt says you would soon change your tune then
Mr_Mistoffelees said: Before anyone else suggests the BBC licence fee is too expensive or that it should be replaced by funding by advertising Remember that every time you buy a product or service advertised on commercial television you are contributing to the advertising budget for that item or service
Dfgsdgd said: If Google introduced pay per search a long time ago it would not be such a large company like today If iPlayer applies pay per view it will die Competition rules
Simon Jary said: Make sure you vote in our pollhttpwwwpcadvisorcoukpol