BBC iPlayer goes global

It has been confirmed that an international version of the BBC’s catch-up TV service is set to be launched next year.

Those are the Beeb’s plans for the iPlayer, according to a report in the Telegraph, who talked to John Smith, the CEO of BBC Worldwide.

Smith told the paper: “Not only will that mean international fans of, for example, Doctor Who can get their fix legitimately [as opposed to illegally downloading episodes], but it has the potential of opening up a new revenue stream for the entire UK production industry, alongside sales to traditional broadcasters.”

It will be a fresh avenue of finances for the BBC, although the corporation hasn’t yet decided whether to straight charge for programmes on the service, or support it with adverts. A third avenue could be some manner of combination of both models.