The BBC iPlayer’s shift from catch-up service to standalone entertainment platform took another lead this week with the announcement that the BBC is to appoint a dedicated Controller for the platform.
Earlier this month it was announced that iPlayer would be the exclusive access point for a new Radio 1 online TV channel, featuring exclusive video performances by top acts.
BBC Director-General Tony Hall has also said the service will in future allow viewers to create their own playlists and access content within themed sections.
Announcing the creation of the new post, Danny Cohen, said: “BBC iPlayer is an increasingly important part of the way viewers enjoy our content. From now on I want us to think of BBC iPlayer as having the same status and value as a linear channel service. In essence, it becomes our fifth channel, creating and sharing content alongside our linear services.”
The post-holder will report directly to Cohen and take overall charge of the exclusive online content planned for BBC iPlayer, ranging from short-form, through improved curation to the premiering of BBC shows in advance of their transmission on the linear channels.
