--BBC Begins Simulcasting BBC Four, CBBC, Cbeebies Online
BBC Three--which, under the guidance of controller, Danny Cohen, has launched a range of innovative interactive shows over the past few months ( see [itvt] Issue 7.95 Part 3)--has commissioned Avalon Television to produce a new, multiplatform comedy-drama that is scheduled to launch later this year. According to the BBC, the show, which has the working title, "Mouth to Mouth," will first be made available through Web 2.0 communities, mobile phones, and a dedicated Web site on bbc.co.uk, before it is broadcast on BBC Three. The Corporation describes it as "a cautionary tale, following the highs and lows of the three members of girl-group, Cat's Eyes, through individual monologues." Its script is being written by Karl Minns, who will also be charged with writing supplementary online content that will expand its narrative beyond the broadcast show.
In other BBC news:
- The Corporation has begun simulcasting its BBC Four, CBBC and CBeebies digital channels online (note: the Corporation has simulcast BBC Three, BBC News and BBC Parliament for some time now). The channels, which can be accessed online via dedicated sites on bbc.co.uk, can also be viewed through the BBC iPlayer. The BBC says that it will assess the success of the simulcasts--which can be accessed only by UK residents (note: in order to avoid breaking the law, consumers who access the simulcasts through their PC's and other devices must still pay the UK's TV license fee)--after 12 months. "The launch of three more BBC Television channels further fulfils the BBC's commitment to increasing the accessibility of our content to license fee payers," Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, said in a prepared statement. "Although still a relatively new phenomenon, watching programs online is growing; now through simulcasting our channels, viewers can find and watch programs as they are broadcast as well as having the option of catching up with them later." In explaining its decision to simulcast the channels, the BBC cited new research from UK communications regulator, Ofcom, which found that 17% of broadband-connected UK residents now watch TV on the Internet (up by eight percentage points from 2006), and that 26% of those aged between 15 and 24 do so (up by 16 percentage points in 12 months).
- The Corporation has announced plans to make performances from BBC Electric Proms, a five-day festival of music and film taking place in London and Liverpool, available through the red button and on its Web site.
