 BBC Online logo | |
 The BBC international website in March 2022 | |
Type of site | Portal |
|---|---|
| Owner | BBC |
| Created by | BBC |
| URL | www www |
| Commercial | No (Yes if accessed outside the UK) |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | April 1994 (www 30 Jan 1996 (launched the BBC Networking Club) 30 Jan 1996 (as BBC Online) |
| Current status | Active |
| BBC |
|---|
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BBC Online, formerly known as BBCi, is the BBC's online service. It is a large network of websites including such high-profile sites as BBC News and Sport, the on-demand video and radio services branded BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, the children's sites CBBC and CBeebies, and learning services such as Bitesize and Own It. The BBC has had an online presence supporting its TV and radio programmes and web-only initiatives since April 1994,[1] but did not launch officially until 28 April 1997, following government approval to fund it by TV licence fee revenue as a service in its own right. Throughout its history, the online plans of the BBC have been subject to competition and complaint from its commercial rivals, which has resulted in various public consultations and government reviews to investigate their claims that its large presence and public funding distorts the UK market.
The website has gone through several branding changes since it was launched. Originally named BBC Online, it was rebranded as BBCi (which itself was the brand name for interactive TV services) before being named bbc.co.uk. It was then renamed BBC Online again in 2008,[2] although the service uses the branding "BBC".
On 26 February 2010 The Times claimed that Mark Thompson, then Director General of the BBC, proposed that the BBC's web output should be cut by 50%, with online staff numbers and budgets reduced by 25% in a bid to scale back BBC operations and allow commercial rivals more room.[3] On 2 March 2010, the BBC reported that it would cut its website spending by 25% and close BBC 6 Music and Asian Network.[4][5] On 24 January 2011, the confirmed cuts of 25% were announced, leaving a £34 million shortfall.[clarification needed] This resulted in the closure of several sites, including BBC Switch, BBC Blast, 6-0-6, and the announcement of plans to sell the Douglas Adams created site h2g2.[6]
- ^ "BBC Internet Services – History". support.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
- ^ "BBC launches PSB partnerships" (Press release). BBC Press Office. 11 December 2008. Archived from the original on 14 December 2008. Retrieved 13 December 2008.
- ^ "BBC signals an end to era of expansion" 26 February 2010 Retrieved 26 February 2010
- ^ "BBC Proposes Deep Cuts in Web Site" 2 March 2010 Retrieved 2 March 2010
- ^ "BBC stations face axe in shake-up". BBC News. 2 March 2010. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "BBC News – BBC to cut online budget by 25%". BBC Online. 24 January 2011. Archived from the original on 25 January 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2011.