BBC iPlayer opens to first partners for Shakespeare season

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/mar/10/bbc-and-itv-in-talks-to-launch-a-netflix-style-streaming-service

The BBC is to open the iPlayer to partners for the first time, starting with arts content including the Royal Shakespeare Company’s latest production of Richard II starring David Tennant. The BBC has teamed up with arts organisations including the British Film Institute (BFI), Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to launch an online festival marking the 400th anniversary of the bard’s death. The six-month schedule of digital content, part of an initiative called Shakespeare Lives that includes TV and radio programmes, will also feature the BFI’s Sir Ian McKellen-fronted production Shakespeare on Stage, Screen and Elsewhere.The digital festival is being co-curated by the British Council.

1. The move to allow third-party content on the iPlayer stems from a pledge made by Tony Hall, the corporation’s director general, last September to create a new “open” BBC based on partnerships.

2. The “open” initiative is part of a major reshaping of the BBC designed to respond to the government’s attempt to curb the scale and scope of the corporation as it faces royal charter renewal.

3. BBC and ITV in talks to launch a Netflix-style streaming service

I believe that this would be a good idea to see live performances on iplayer as it would give drama and an artistic view to iplayer viewers. Its good for a celebration as to be giving different content to viwers as its marked for 400 years. It is good to have original British content for educational uses of shakespeare which follows the BBC rules of Inform, educate and entertain. This is important as to BBC Three not being its best right now and its good to have new content. It gives the skills and the talent that the BBC holds and its a good thing that it is being shown by Iplayer