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Bennett unveils global iPlayer plan, new international channels
The international version of the BBCs iPlayer will be Âa very different proposition to the domestic version, BBC WorldwideÂs Jana Bennett will tell delegates at the Banff World Media Festival in Canada later today. Â
In her first speech as president of worldwide networks and global iPlayer, Bennett will explain that the international version of the online on-demand platform will launch initially as a pilot iPad app, with western European launches expected first as part of a Âcareful and measured launch.
Bennett will tell the audience that the global iPlayer will create editorially-curated collections across genres including music, comedy, factual, natural history, childrenÂs programmes and other genres. ÂThe freedom from catch-up means that weÂve got a lot more flexibility in terms of what we put on there and how we present it. In overseas markets where the whole gamut of the BBCÂs linear broadcast isnÂt available then applying the on-demand model we have in the UK doesnÂt make sense, Bennett said.
Bennett will also highlight evidence that shows the global iPlayer will complement BBC WorldwideÂs international channels rather than cannibalise them.
Bennett will also use her speech to unveil plans to grow BBC WorldwideÂs portfolio of channels. She will unveil possible designs for a new BBC Earth channel, the name given to its umbrella brand for the BBCÂs flagship natural history content.
Bennett will also confirm plans to launch a new, premium HD service in a number of territories, using the new channel as a home for first-run scripted and landmark factual programmes.
She will also confirm plans to launch a version of the existing BBC HD channel in Latin America.