The BBC has launched its first iPad and iPhone apps, after the BBC Trust ruled there was no need for further review of the plans or a public value test.
According to David Madden, executive product manager, BBC Mobile:
"Our aim is to develop a set of core public service apps that bring some of the BBC's most popular, distinctive and original content to mobile in an easy to use and convenient way. The first of these apps is BBC News. The BBC News app puts the latest news from our journalists across the UK and the world in the palm of your hand. We've developed an easy to use design which lets you scroll through the latest headlines on your phone. The idea is to create a truly mobile experience that gives you quick access to BBC News on the move."
The apps will enable users to personalise news pages, as well as stream BBC News 24 coverage over wi-fi (coming to a 3G connection near you, soon).
The lack of a public value test is certainly an interesting one given the far from universal adoption of the Apple devices. It could be argued therefore that these apps represent a disproportionate investment of licence fee payers' money. However, Erik Huggers, director of BBC future media & technology (and patron saint of taxi drivers), said:
"The rapid growth of internet-connected mobiles and smartphones in the market means we can cost-effectively provide our content and services on these devices, and this is a really important way for us to deliver online services in the future."
Not only do the BBC now favour a priviliged few with their excessive payment packages...Norton, Wogan, Moyles and until just the other night Ross plus the scores of fat-cat managers who'll claim their expenses unjustly too as we saw with that Africa report recently.
We've now also got them favouring priviliged members of the public who can afford to drop hundreds of pounds on a trendy corporations' tablet computer being catered to. They represent not even a hundreth of license fee payers yet somehow deserve apps that many won't use anyway?
Yet another reason to avoid the license fee with is just corporate welfare in action. Not just for the BBC, but for Apple who'll revel in this endorsement from a reputed British source. Not forgetting the USA networks that buys the BBC's content; that wouldn't be able to happen were license fee payers not propping up the scam in the first place.
Ironic that the best channel they make, BBC4 is funded on a shoestring. It's underpromoted and viewed as a lofty intellectual's channel even though it has hosted quality like the Charlie Brooker shows plus cult films that never see the light of day here otherwise.
One last thing: They wanted to progressively ratchet up the monthly fee to close to £14 per month back before the recession struck. £150+ per year for something that proportionally many use so little so as to not merit even paying even a fraction of that sum? Something that even the poor who earn under £15K a year or even the disabled and unemployed must pay in full?
No thanks.
-Pete @ dirtygarnet.com
Posted by: Peter Demain | Jul 24, 2010 at 17:46
Well I've downloaded the app and it was the number one download on the store when I was installing it. Pete, maybe I don't deserve it. But I'm not rich. I work in education and I do think these devices and the many other cheaper copies that are due to follow are a way forward in primary and secondary education.
Has this got anything to do with the BBC choosing to spend license fee money on such a small percentage of people? Maybe not. But the BBC is trying to be current and relevant.
I don't moan about stuff I don't like on the BBC because I know other people have different tastes and there is plenty I like. If you really don't like paying, forgo the live broadcasts. Use the website, watch the iPlayer recordings and listen to the radio. You don't need a license for any for this. But wouldn't that be morally wrong?
Yep, and I sent this from my iPad.
Posted by: Rachel Walker | Jul 25, 2010 at 17:04