BBC Three unveiled two new platforms: The Best Of – which will bring together original long-form programmes and a range of new content, including short form films – and The Daily Drop – home to BBC Three’s new stream of daily content including short-form videos, blogs, social media, image galleries, trending stories and daily updates from news and sport. The Daily Drop will roll out in Beta over the next few days. The Best Of will launch in February. Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, said: “BBC Three is a badge of quality and shorthand for content that will stimulate emotions and provoke reactions. It’s the same award-winning programmes freed from the constraints of linear TV, and because we’re freed from the schedule we can use whatever format and platform is most appropriate. The majority of what we will make is TV, like People Just Do Nothing, but we’ll make short-form video, blogs and picture-led stories as well. We’ll be on YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook and our new site The Daily Drop.”
Original story below. The BBC has announced that it plans to drop BBC Three as an on-air channel with programming to be available online only. Aunty Beeb is making the change as part of cost-cutting plans and will mean that show including Don’t Tell the Bride will only be accessible through BBC iPlayer, not Freeview, satellite or cable.The closure will take place in Autumn 2015 and The BBC is trying to save £100m after cuts in funding. The spare spectrum will be used to extend CBBC by an hour each night and to provide a BBC1 +1 service. The news comes just months after director general, Tony Hall, said he wouldn’t consider closing a channel. The public feel very strongly about all the services the BBC runs, we have to find other ways [of saving money]” he said. “I’m convinced that the BBC as a creative organisation will be able to reinvent a space for young people on the iPlayer that will be bold, innovative and distinctive. It will not just be a TV channel distributed online – it will be an opportunity to look at new forms, formats, different durations, and more individualised and interactive content.” said Hall in an email to BBC staff. Before BBC Three is moved to digital only, Hall must get approval from the BBC Trust, the governing body which represents the interests of licence fee payers. Celebrities including Matt Lucas are backing a campaign to keep BBC Three on-air and the hasgtag #SaveBBC3 is trending on Twitter. “Hearing horrible rumours about the possible closure of BBC3. This would be really bad for new comedy. Like, REALLY bad.” said Lucas on Twitter. BBC 3 even tweeted: “Who knew people love BBC Three more than pancakes?! Feeling loved. #SaveBBC3.” The BBC will certainly save money by producing less programming and make up a large part of the £100m savings target. However, the move to iPlayer could actually make a lot of sense for the channel’s target audience, 16-34 year-olds. It is part of a digital trend which follows The BBC showing TV shows online before they are broadcast over the airwaves. One of which was Peter Kay’s sitcom, Car Share. Tech Advisor’s Reviews Editor, Chris has been reviewing all kinds of tech for over 10 years and specialises in audio. He also covers a range of topics including home entertainment, phones, laptops, tablets and more.
