The BBC has appointed a former BT and Virgin Media executive to head up its new digital download store.
Jonathan Green will be responsible for running the store, which will allow viewers to download and keep their favourite programmes, when it launches next year.
Some BBC DVDs and Blu-ray titles, including last year’s Doctor Who 50th anniversary special, already include free digital copies.
However BBC Store is expected to make more content, including archive shows which would be uneconomical to release on disc, available to licence fee payers.
The service will be operated by the BBC’s commercial division, BBC Worldwide, and will be separate from the broadcaster’s popular iPlayer service which will remain free to use.
BBC Worldwide Managing Director, Marcus Arthur, said, “Jonathan brings with him invaluable experience won with some of the biggest players in digital which puts him in an ideal position to launch our ambitious new platform.”
“Through BBC Store we will be making available a far greater variety of BBC programmes across all genres for consumers to discover, buy and keep.
“As well as favourites like Doctor Who, Top Gear and landmark natural history series they’ll be able to buy programmes which we haven’t previously been able to release including gems from the BBC’s extensive television programme archive.”
Green said, “This is an exciting opportunity for myself and BBC Worldwide. I’m really looking forward to working with the BBC Store team and can’t wait to complete the launch next year.”