BBC Worldwide has launched its new global iPad app into 11 markets. From today users in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland will be able to view BBC content for €6.99 (£6.14) per month or €49.99 (£44) for an annual subscription.
The content has been divided into eight genres News Specials & Documentaries; Entertainment; Drama; Comedy; Science & Nature; Family & Kids; Music & Culture and Lifestyle.
The BBC’s commercial arm is highlighting some of its best known brands including comedies Fawlty Towers and Only Fools & Horses, drama series Sherlock, Luther and the classic Pride and Prejudice. Episodes of Top Gear, EastEnders and Doctor Who will also be available.
In many ways the content resembles what is available on the BBC’s international entertainment and lifestyle channels; viewers expecting the full breadth of BBC content as seen domestically may be disappointed.
Users will be able to both stream content and download it for later viewing when Wi-Fi access is unavailable. The download feature is so far absent from the domestic iPlayer app.
“Based on the soaring success of the UK’s pioneering BBC iPlayer service, the app combines technical innovation with editorial creativity to transport users to the heart of the BBC and British television and on a journey of discovery, wherever and whenever they want,” said Jana Bennett, BBC Worldwide President of Worldwide Networks and Global iPlayer “We have an exciting vision for what this service could become and will develop it based on feedback from within the markets.”
BBC Worldwide has already enjoyed 12 million downloads for its Lonely Planet and Good Food brands.
