BBC live streams on Facebook
June 28, 2012
The BBC is streaming live sporting events on Facebook, the biggest tie-up to date between the social-networking site and an international broadcaster. The service launched with live coverage from the Wimbledon tennis championships.
During the Olympic Games, the BBC will run 24 simultaneous streams in addition to the main BBC channels. Users outside the UK will not be able to access the feeds.
Other international broadcasters, such as NBC, have set up alternative streaming services – the US broadcaster has teamed up with YouTube to provide live coverage on NBCOlympics.com.
The launch is the first time the BBC has used Facebook to broadcast live events. Users are able to share information about what they are viewing with their friends, as well as discuss the action with other fans via a live-chat feature.
The app, which is in beta test mode, is currently providing up to six simultaneous streams of Wimbledon tennis matches. Targeted advertising, not controlled by the BBC, will appear to the right of the app in line with the Facebook-wide layout. The BBC does not make money from the arrangement.
However, during the Olympics these adverts will be removed due to restrictions put in place by the International Olympic Committee.