BBC World News can now be watched live via a Wi-Fi or 3G connection over the iPhone or iPod touch, thanks to a new app developed in association with Livestation, a UK firm with a streaming TV service for the PC and Mac.
This BBC World News application is available from the App Store for €7.99 for iPhone and iPod touch owners in Europe – specifically Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland – which means they will now be able to watch the 24-hours news channel live from anywhere in the world.
“This is an exciting new way for BBC World News viewers living in Europe to watch the channel anywhere. With live TV streaming alongside the BBC’s mobile news site, the app is a complete on-demand news service,” said Jim Egan, director of Strategy and Business Development at BBC Global News.
“Having a news channel available live on the iPhone at this level of broadcast quality is a world first. We aim to extend this service to iPhone owners in other regions soon.”
Livestation had discussed this functionality coming down the line last year, while also mentioning the possibility of further news channels, including Bloomberg Television. Existing news channels on its PC and Mac service such as France 24, Russia Today and ITN cannot be ruled out either.
Matteo Berlucchi, CEO of Livestation, commented on the BBC collaboration: “We believe this is the first hand-held device that can take mobile TV to the next level, thanks to its superior screen and connectivity qualities.
“Being able to watch BBC World News live from an iPhone or iPod touch while in cafés, at home, in hotels or airport lounges is clearly a very attractive proposition.”
By Marie Boran
