BBC Trust backs plans for downloads

The BBC Trust has published provisional conclusions broadly backing the BBC Executive's planned on-demand services and opened a period of consultation.
Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Diane Coyle, BBC Trustee and Chair of the PVT Steering Group, said: "The BBC Trust has a duty to ensure the public receives value in return for paying the licence fee. Our view is that the BBC's new on-demand services are likely to deliver significant public value, and should be allowed to proceed, but subject to certain conditions in order to reduce the potential negative market impact."
The Trust's provisional conclusion gives the BBC Executive the go ahead for the new on-demand services, but this is subject to conditions and modifications to the proposition.
The BBC Executive's on-demand proposals are the first to undergo a Public Valuation Test. They include:

• Seven-day TV catch-up over the internet
• Seven-day TV catch up over cable
• Simulcast TV over the internet (streaming of live television networks)
• Non-digital rights management audio downloads over the internet (podcasting)

The three internet-based services are intended to be offered as part of the BBC iPlayer, which will pull together all the audio and video services offered on bbc.co.uk.
A final decision is expected in May 2007 following examination of the responses to the consultation.
(SP/KMcA)