The BBC is to put an end to the downloading of content from the iPlayer onto desktop and laptop computers.
It’s currently possible for viewers on PCs and Macs to save programmes to their computers for later viewing, but the facility is now being withdrawn.
Since February 2, downloads of the BBC iPlayer Downloads app have not been possible. From March 11, downloading new programmes will not be possible, although viewers can continue to view shows they’ve already downloaded until April 8, when the downloads app will close.
A BBC spokesperson told Broadband TV News: “We have made the difficult decision to close the Desktop Downloads app for BBC iPlayer, due to the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going. This does not affect downloads on the BBC iPlayer mobile or tablet apps, and viewers can continue to stream programmes on BBC iPlayer on their PCs and Macs.”
According to Ofcom, the iPlayer now accounts for 18% of the BBC’s total viewing.
