BBC under fire for adverts on new 'on-demand' web TV service

By PAUL REVOIR

Last updated at 00:04 28 November 2007


The BBC has admitted it will show adverts during programmes broadcast on its new "on-demand" web TV service.



The corporation yesterday announced it had joined with Channel 4 and ITV to make more than 10,000 hours of programming available on the internet.

The site, which launches next year, will offer viewers a single web address where they can find both classic shows and "catch-up" programmes.

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But the service has already come under fire after it was revealed the BBC will charge for some shows and run adverts on others.

Critics have claimed it is another example of the corporation's creeping commercialisation. They also pointed out that the BBC has already charged British viewers once for the programmes through the mandatory licence fee.

Conservative MP Philip Davies, who sits on the Commons culture, media and sport select committee, said money made from the adverts should be given back to the public.

"In effect it is the licence fee payer that has paid for the programmes to be made in the first place," he added.

"If the BBC is using that to sell on to get some advertising revenue, one might think the licence fee payers are entitled to a refund."

After getting a lower than expected licence fee settlement the BBC has claimed it faces a £2billion funding gap.

As a result, its commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, is trying to increase profits.

The on-demand service, currently called Kangaroo, is being viewed as a watershed moment in the development of broadband TV.

Initially the service will be available only on the web but the ultimate aim will be to deliver the service direct to television screens.

The joint venture will be owned equally by the three broadcasters involved.

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