We heard a rumor earlier in the week that the BBC were working on their own paid download TV service called Project Barcelona, and now the BBC’s Director General Mark Thompson has confirmed the existence of the new service.
The service is called Project Barcelona, and when launched it will see the BBC open up its archive of TV shows which will be available to download for a fee.
Approval and Launch Timeline
The new paid download service still needs approval from the BBC Trust, and this will be reviewed by them later this year, so there are no details as yet on when the service will actually launch. The approval process is crucial as it ensures that the service aligns with the BBC’s public service remit and offers value to the license fee payers. The BBC Trust will evaluate various aspects of the service, including its potential impact on the market and its financial viability.
Pricing and Content Availability
There are no details on how much the BBC will charge for individual TV episodes, but we suspect the pricing will be very similar to that of Apple’s service for paid downloads. Typically, Apple’s iTunes charges around £1.89 to £2.49 per episode, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the BBC adopts a similar pricing strategy. This would make the service competitive and accessible to a broad audience.
Project Barcelona aims to provide viewers with access to a vast archive of BBC content, including classic shows, documentaries, and possibly even some exclusive content. This could be a game-changer for fans of BBC programming who want to own their favorite shows and watch them offline. The service could also include special features such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew, and other exclusive content that would not be available on traditional broadcast or streaming platforms.
The BBC has a rich history of producing high-quality television, and Project Barcelona could offer a new way for audiences to engage with this content. For example, fans of long-running series like “Doctor Who” or “EastEnders” could have the opportunity to download entire seasons or specific episodes that they missed. Similarly, documentaries like “Planet Earth” and “Blue Planet” could be available for download, allowing viewers to enjoy these visually stunning programs at their convenience.
Moreover, the service could potentially include educational content, making it a valuable resource for students and educators. Programs like “Horrible Histories” and “BBC Bitesize” could be made available for download, providing a fun and engaging way for children to learn outside the classroom.
Source BBC
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