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The BBC will be allowed to keep the programs on its iPlayer service until one year after their first broadcast rather than the current 30 days, in order to help the company compete with Netflix.
Ofcom, the media regulatory body, approved the change on a provisional basis, saying it would "increase the choice and availability of public service broadcasting content and would help ensure that the BBC remains relevant in the face of changing listening habits.
The BBC had expressed concern for the future of the company if it was not allowed to make the change. Young audiences, who were used to watching Netflix broadcasts, struggled to understand why some shows were disappearing from iPlayer after just a few weeks, which would compromise their willingness to pay the annual licensing fee of £ 154.50.
BBC iPlayer has been the pioneer of video streaming in the UK, but is now a relatively minor player. Its market share was 40% five years ago, but it dropped to 15% due to the explosive growth of Netflix and other streaming services.
In the current system, the first episode of a popular series often disappears from iPlayer before the final program is broadcast, which means that it's not possible to watch an entire series in form of cabinet.
The availability of individual programs on iPlayer may depend on negotiations with independent production companies that organize programs for the BBC. Many BBC programs are likely to switch to the upcoming BritBox pay service after 12 months, which will require an additional subscription, in addition to licensing fees.
The BBC has also been approved to keep children's programs on iPlayer for up to five years, creating an archive of documents designed to appeal to parents and younger viewers.
Ofcom said the change would affect other catch-up services backed by commercials such as ITV Hub and All 4, but that it was justified to promote British public service broadcasting in the face of business challenges. US.
Competitors such as Sky, owner of Now TV's streaming service, had voiced concerns about the impact on commercial services and had suggested that the change could make it more difficult for Sky's customers. 39; access to BBC catch-up content.
The BBC will regularly evaluate the impact of iPlayer on its competitors as part of the approval process. Final approval is expected in August, but it may take some time before viewers can enjoy it.
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