The BBC Tuesday launched its new integrated online and TV channel,
BBC Knowledge, hailing the event as “our digital TV D-day.”
Having lost around £15 million (US$24 million) of licence fee revenue
on its news network BBC World, and having spent £20 million (US$32 million)
on the late-night News 24, the BBC is now putting a further
£10 million (US$16 million) into the new digital channel.
Designed to
appeal to the younger, “wired” generation, BBC Knowledge will
be funded — if the BBC gets its way — from a special digital
licence fee paid by all users of digital television.
An original feature of the BBC’s new digital channel is
the use of the Internet as an integral part of the shows.
This, will allow programme makers to develop
new interactive techniques that involve the audience and
encourage greater participation, said the BBC.
The consensus among media critics is that the BBC
is “trying to do the right thing.” The end-of-term report may
turn out to be: “Could try harder.”
BBC Knowledge will normally transmit
from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. weekdays and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. weekends.