Beeb may set up Netflix-style service to screen old shows
THE BBC could bring in a subscription service similar to Netflix to let customers access its TV back-catalogue.
Director-general Tony Hall wants to make money from BBC programmes such as Only Fools And Horses, which are not available to watch on iPlayer.
Damian Collins, chairman of the Commons digital, culture, media and sport select committee, asked him: ‘If, at the moment, I want to watch old episodes of Yes, Minister, why is it I can pay Netflix to do that but I can’t pay the BBC?’
Lord Hall replied: ‘I understand the issue exactly, and those are things we will have a look at.’
He said the BBC could replicate the content of UKTV – which shows its old programmes such as Dad’s Army and is part-owned by BBC Worldwide, the corporation’s commercial arm.
Lord Hall added: ‘We need to look at how we extend what we do there... into an on-demand environment.’