BBC in talks for international iPlayer via YouTube

Google negotiations ongoing

2 June 2009 14:02 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

The BBC is planning to roll out an international version of the iPlayer with the help of Google, sources close to the negotiations say.

The Telegraph reports that Mark Thompson, the BBC director general, is in talks with Eric Schmidt, Google’s chief executive and chairman about a global iPlayer, supported by YouTube.

Problems with international rights clearance for programming are said to be causing issues, which, if sorted out could see the BBC video content on Youtube in the UK - currently only short clips - extended to full shows.

"There are a significant number of obstacles to extending this commercially to other countries, including international rights clearance", a BBC spokesperson said.

"These obstacles present significant difficulties and for this reason there are no firm plans for a specific international BBC iPlayer, but audiences can watch BBC content outside the UK through numerous BBC Worldwide content deals with online partners such as iTunes".

Read