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BBC iPlayer Going International in 2011

Such is the word from John Smith, the generically named head of BBC Worldwide, who sees the international market for British shows as “under-exploited” and wants to see the iPlayer opened up beyond the Queen’s home isles. Of course, since continental Europeans and North Americans aren’t subject to the same backbreaking TV license fee, there’ll be a new commercial element to the service, though the Beeb’s bigwigs have yet to figure out if that means users will have to pay a levy or put up with some ads.

I’ve actually been hearing, for quite a while, that Auntie Beeb is in talks with Apple. What will come of those talks is anybodies guess. Integration with Apple TV is a no-brainer though.

With the Beeb short on cash at home (because of dumb new government legislation, and a constant push from Media Nazis like Murdoch to undermine them), but still broadcasting some of the best original drama and sports coverage in the world, this is great news for everyone, everywhere. And could bring a shot in the arm to the Beeb’s finances.

Even at the full cost of the domestic UK License fee BBC’s iPlayer Service is a bargain when compared to the crappy out-of-date programming that satellite providers around the world buy up cheap from the US and repackage expensively (and lace with adverts) for Asian, African and Middle Eastern audiences.