The BBC is to launch a paid-for version of iPlayer in America as part of a major expansion in the organisation's commercial operations, the Director-General has announced.
Lord Hall said the subscription service would offer American viewers "programmes they wouldn't otherwise get, showcasing British actors and our programme-makers and celebrating our culture."
In a speech to the Royal Television Society in Cambridge, he said the remit of BBC Worldwide, the organisation's commercial arm, would be expanded to increase its returns to £1.2 billion over the next five years, an increase of 15 per cent over the previous five years.
Lord Hall has ruled out privatisation of BBC Worldwide (Getty)
BBC Worldwide made around £250m for the organisation last year. The launch of the America-based iPlayer follows the £129m sale to US company AMC Networks, makers of Breaking Bad, of a 49.9 per cent stake in BBC America. Lord Hall promised further global partnerships aimed at "taking advantage of the demand for British programming".
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Lord Hall ruled out privatisation of BBC Worldwide and also warned the Government not to allow rival broadcasters a share of public funding by "top-slicing" the licence fee.
The Director-General unveiled plans for the creation of BBC Studios which, subject to regulatory approval, would make shows for other broadcasters. "It will find and nurture the next generation of British on-screen and back-stage talent in drama, comedy, science, natural history and more."
To create a "level playing field", the BBC would remove its 50 per cent guarantee to its in-house producers, meaning external companies could compete to make more shows for BBC channels.
Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said changes in the terms of trade, which the independent sector has said could have a "chilling effect" on the sector's future growth, would be subject to a review by broadcast regulator Ofcom.
