BBC look to mobile again?
July 28, 2008
The BBC Trust has opened a consultation on plans to put BBC TV and radio channels on to mobiles. The consultation, which closes on August 22, follows a controversial year-long trial that started last April in which BBC services were available on the 3G networks of Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and 3 The BBC Trust has opened a consultation on plans to put BBC TV and radio channels on to mobiles. The consultation, which closes on August 22, follows a controversial year-long trial that started last April in which BBC services were available on the 3G networks of Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and 3.
In its proposal, the BBC argues that it is “uniquely placed to drive mainstream use of mobile television”, in a similar way that the BBC iPlayer has sparked the online catch-up TV market or Freeview has promoted takeup of digital terrestrial television. This despite the fact the trials proved tiny amounts of usage.
ITN has argued that the launch of ad-free BBC services will crush the development of commercial models of mobile advertising by rivals. But the corporation also argues that – in line with its remit – mobile allows it to increase the reach of BBC services and hit currently under-served groups such as 16- to 34-year-olds.
The trust will consider whether a public value test should be applied to the BBC’s proposals.
Meanwhile the BBC Trust has revealed members claimed an average of over £12,000 (E17,000) each. This included Sky subscriptions and an £800+ TV set for the chairman.
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