BBC puts the focus on personalised content with iPlayer update

Graeme Parton +

The BBC has announced a number of updates to its programme streaming service, iPlayer, in an attempt to meet the growing demands for personalised content.

In his first big speech since starting work at the broadcasting company in April, director general Tony Hall said that changes to the service – as well as the introduction of a new BBC one+1 channel – would help the organisation to give its viewers even more of what they are already paying for.

Those who use iPlayer will now benefit from a month-long catch-up service, as well as the ability to watch some shows before they’re broadcasted on television.

Lord Hall also explained the corporation’s intention to develop the BBC Music brand by continuing to offer a wide range of unique entertainment-focused content.

In particular, he used the example of the BBC’s personalised coverage of Glastonbury festival earlier this year, where viewers were able to switch between stages as they wished using the red button on their remote controls. In total, fans had access to six acts at a time using their televisions, computers, smartphones and tablet devices.

Speaking about the Glastonbury coverage, Lord Hall said:

“Our audiences loved it. I loved it. I watched on my phone. Glastonbury reached more viewers and listeners on that one weekend than had attended the festival in its entire 40-year history.”

Putting the spotlight on cross-platform content strategies, Lord Hall also announced BBC Playlister, a new tool allowing users to keep records of the music they find on the organisation’s radio and television channels, which can then be listened to later on third-party streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer and Google Music.

Interestingly, the director general made a point of mentioning the BBC’s intention to build better relationships with members of the public by giving them more choice when it comes to the content they consume.