BBC launches Global iPlayer iPad app in Australia

BBC Worldwide has today announced that the global version of BBC iPlayer has launched in Australia, as the service also welcomed a new general manager.

The global iPlayer app for Apple's iPad, which debuted in Western Europe in July, is now available to Australian viewers, offering more than 1,000 hours of classic and contemporary BBC programmes on-demand.

Consumers can subscribe to the video on-demand service for a monthly subscription fee of AU$9.49 (£5.90), or AU$89.99 a year, allowing them to stream content over WiFi or download programming to watch offline.

Available shows include comedies such as Little Britain, A Bit Of Fry And Laurie and Absolutely Fabulous; dramas including Silent Witness and Doctor Who, as well as factual shows such as Michael Palin's Pole to Pole and The Hairy Bikers.

There will also be some exclusive content, such as episodes of Holby City, and new programming will be added to the service regularly, including classic Doctor Who and Natural World documentaries.

Tony Iffland, the general manager of BBC Worldwide Australia, said: "The global BBC iPlayer will enable Australian iPad users to access the best of British television, wherever and whenever they want to view it. It is a unique proposition offering a quality, enjoyable and engaging experience for viewers through editorially curated content, rather than catch-up content.

"The launch of global BBC iPlayer in Australia marks an important step forward for BBC Worldwide Australia's digital growth and our intention to bring quality British content to audiences in an innovative, creative and easily accessible format."

Meanwhile, former UKTV controller Matthew Littleford has been appointed to the role of general manager of global BBC iPlayer.

Littleford, who joined BBC Worldwide in April as creative director for global iPlayer, will now be responsible for editorial and day-to-day management of the service, reporting to Jana Bennett, the president of Worldwide channels and global BBC iPlayer.

"Matthew is the perfect choice to lead the global BBC iPlayer through its next journey as we move into the entertainment schedules of digital audiences around the world," said Bennett.

"With his passion for British television and previous experience running commercial and digital networks we are very lucky to have him managing the service during its pilot phase, as it evolves and becomes available in new markets."

Littleford added: "This is a really exciting time for the global BBC iPlayer as we continue to evolve, develop and ensure it is what our international audiences want from us. I'm delighted to be taking on overall responsibility as we move from launch phase into roll-out."