BBC director-general Tony Hall has announced plans for a +1 service for BBC One. Despite being Britain’s most-watched channel, BBC One is the last of the major brands to launch a timeshifted version.
“Any plan for channels starts with BBC One. Above all, BBC One needs to be on top form. It has to be the nation’s favourite channel, but also its bravest. We’ll also look to launch a BBC One +1 channel, too – it’s what audiences expect, especially younger ones, and it means people can get more of what they’ve already paid for,” said Lord Hall.
Plans were also announced for improvements to the BBC iPlayer.
BBC One already reaches 80 per cent of the population on average per week, by far the biggest reach of any other channel.
No details have been given on how the BBC One +1 will be distributed, but given the BBC’s commitment to universality it looks unlikely that any major platform will be missing.
There is available capacity on Freeview and Freesat managing director Emma Scott indicated that the service would also be available on the free-to-air platform. “The announcement today that BBC One will launch a +1 channel on Freesat is fantastic news for our 4 million viewers as we continue to add new channels and On Demand services, plus invest in cutting edge technology.”
Broadband TV News notes that the relatively high position for BBC Alba, at 143 in the Sky EPG, may be lost as the BBC also looks to accommodate new HD versions of BBC Three and its children’s and news channels.
