The BBC’s proposed pay-to-keep download store for TV shows gets regulatory approval

Back in October, we reported on the BBC’s plans to launch a new platform for downloading TV shows. The BBC Store will be a commercial, online service, letting UK users buy TV shows to keep forever – like iPlayer, but for downloads.

Now, one of the final hurdles has been circumvented, with the BBC Trust officially approving the proposals. The BBC Executive has issued the following response:

“We’re pleased the BBC Trust have approved proposals for BBC Store and recognise the benefits it brings licence fee payers, those who want to own BBC programmes and the creative industry as a whole. We know people want to buy DVDs of their favourite BBC shows and BBC Store is a natural progression in a digital age. Along with our proposal to extend catch-up on BBC iPlayer from 7 to 30 days, this is great news for fans of BBC shows. We will share more details about next steps at a later date.”

There are no details yet on the exact format or structure of the service, how much it will cost, or when it will launch. But we are expecting more information in the coming weeks. What we do know, however, is that the BBC Store will be a separate, standalone service to iPlayer, which itself will remain funded by the licence fee.

You can read the full regulatory approval here.