BBC shows are now to be made available for catch-up viewing on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days rather than seven, after the service was extended by the Corporation.

In April, the BBC Trust approved proposals from the BBC Executive to extend the catch-up window for programmes on BBC iPlayer from seven to 30 days, and the move has now been put into effect in time for the autumn schedule, which is traditionally one of the most popular times of the year for TV viewing.

BBC Director General Tony Hall said: “BBC iPlayer pioneered online viewing. It is recognised as not just the first but the best service of its type in the world. But we want to go further. That’s why we began reinventing iPlayer earlier this year with a brand new redesign and features. Extending the catch up window to 30 days now makes the best value on-demand service even better. We have a fantastic autumn schedule and the public will now have more opportunities to watch the shows they love.”

Ralph Rivera, Director of Future Media, BBC, said there was a huge demand to make programmes available for longer on BBC iPlayer, “as we continue to see people search for their favourite programmes after the seven day catch-up window. Whether it’s on the bus on their mobile – or on their tablet in bed at night, I’m really pleased that we’re able to give our audiences longer to watch and listen than ever before.”

Announcing the decision in April 2014 BBC Trust Vice Chairman Diane Coyle described the extension as a sensible move that would benefit audiences and provide a clearer and more consistent catch-up service.

The BBC had aimed to roll out the extended service from the summer of 2014.

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