BBC launches plans for major shakeup to iPlayer – and it's amazing news for TV addicts

The BBC has submitted plans to reinvent BBC iPlayer.

The proposals detail plans to make the streaming service a platform where audiences can access even more BBC content as well as their favourite shows for a longer period of time.  

The proposal suggests that shows should be available on BBC iPlayer for at least a year after their initial air date.

It adds that selected titles should be available to view as box sets and they should be able to air more BBC archive content.

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The proposal was sent to Ofcom after a Public Interest Test revealed that the changes will "simply bring BBC iPlayer into line with the industry standard".

It takes into account "changing market norms and audience expectations," and claims that not adapting would risk "undermining the BBC's ability to continue to innovate and evolve".

Supporting their case, the BBC platform showed a survey which showed that 63 per cent of those questioned felt the changes would improve its value, while 66 per cent would find it more appealing.

Furthermore, 63 per cent claimed that the changes would help iPlayer appeal to a wider cross section of people.

iPlayer want to air box-sets and archive shows (BBC)

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“Audience expectations have changed dramatically, viewers are now used to being able to watch what they want when they want, and they expect much more from BBC iPlayer,” explained Charlotte Moore, Director, Content.

“We want to make the best UK programmes available to audiences for longer and provide a range of series and box sets for everyone to enjoy. This will bring the BBC iPlayer in line with what other services already offer and give audiences even greater value for their licence fee.

“The media landscape is changing rapidly, and global media giants are increasingly dominant. We hope Ofcom can consider these plans quickly and enable us to deliver what UK audiences want and expect.”

The proposal will now be reviewed by Ofcom, who will decide if the revamp will go ahead.