BBC mulls download service

The BBC is discussing plans for a new paid-for TV download service to offer older shows, The Daily Mail reports.

The service would offer instant access to the BBC's huge back catalogue of shows, only 7% of which is available online at present.

Paid Content reports that the BBC executive wants to make all its shows available as download-to-own (DTO) at prices of £1.89 per show, under a scheme called Project Barcelona.

It has been negotiating for rights with independent producers that make some of the shows. They support the aims of the scheme, believing it could represent a new revenue opportunity and a defence against piracy.

"In addition to BBC iPlayer, the BBC already makes some of its content available on a download-to-own basis,” CIO quotes the BBC as saying.

"Any proposal to extend this facility would require not just the support of the industry, but formal approval by the BBC executive and the BBC Trust."