BBC Worldwide, the international commercial arm of the BBC, will begin peer-to-peer distribution of its video content in the USA.

In partnership with technology firm Azureus, content from the BBC will be available on Azureus' new digital media platform, Zudeo, in early 2007.

British comedies and dramas including Fawlty Towers and Doctor Who will be licensed to the platform, although a pricing structure has yet to be confirmed.

Beth Clearfield, vice president of program management and digital media at BBC Worldwide said: “We want to ensure that our most popular content – as well as programmes that have rarely been seen in the territory – are part of the latest dynamic entertainment environment and can reach the largest audience possible.”

The service features the ability to discover content through search, browsing, channels and tagging. Users will also be able to rate shows and link to them from blogs and social networks.

In September, BBC Worldwide announced its licensing of 400 hours of content to Amazon in the USA for its Unbox online video service.