Sure, the BBC has its very own iPlayer service to worry about but that hasn’t stopped Apple.  Nothing can stop Apple.  The BBC may be close to announcing a deal with Apple to sell its content in the iTunes store.  No word on an official announcement so until that happens consider this a rumor.

Information over at The Register says a “TV industry source” has information from the BBC which will unveil plans for iTunes distribution on or around February 18.  However, these plans are much different from the current iPlayer service.

iPlayer offers shows from the last seven days for free viewing and there are indications that a version of iPlayer for the AppleTV will be available “soon.”

The BBC hopes to double the amount of profit it takes in by launching BBC Worldwide content on iTunes.  It seems that TV advertising revenue just isn’t enough these days.  Part of that may be due to the fact that there are several free online services that allow you to watch TV shows while putting up with few ads, if any.

Plans for the new content aren’t exactly clear or if the shows will be available internationally.  I for one, hope that they are.  That way, the rest of the world could be watching Dr. Who and Torchwood at the same time citizens of the UK are.

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Related:

Apple: iTunes strikes a deal with HBO

Sony Pictures added to the UK iTunes store; iTunes moving from a one price fits all model

iTunes store to finally get Beatles music catalog

NBC shows finally disappear from iTunes

Just a reminder: Starbucks Wi-Fi iTunes store kicked off in NY today

Stumble It!

Entry was posted on Monday, February 18th, 2008 at 1:23 pm under Apple, Apple TV, Rumors, iTunes.  Print This Post

Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.