BBC opens up content

Free tools and APIs for non com. use

[Sanenet]

[news.bbc.co.uk...]
[backstage.bbc.co.uk...]

The BBC is giving web developers and designers outside of the organisation access to its content so that they can "create cool new things". [...]
The backstage.bbc.co.uk project offers a collection of feeds, and plans to offer APIs, and other tools for "re-mixing" and re-purposing the BBC's offerings in more flexible ways.

"We want to promote innovation and creativity on the net by opening access to some of BBC's content and services," co-project leader Ben Metcalfe told the BBC News website.

"Essentially, backstage.bbc.co.uk is enabling developers to create new contexts and user experiences around BBC content, like creating alternative way to navigate, or remixing it with content and services from other providers like Yahoo."

[added]Damn, this is cool. The BBC has a huge amount of stuff, and some of the "coming soon" prototypes look good - such as podcasting, BBC search API, Postcode info, community info and more!

[Revolutionary]

I think its a shame the BBC are cutting back on their online which they are doing. What I think would be more appropriate would be to change the way it is funded. Rather than using the license fee for online, use the commercial arm, BBC Worldwide to fund it. Its a much fairer way of doing things. And for the record, BBC WORLD TV is funded by Worldwide so no worries about the fee going there, not sure about WORLD radio though. However I do know one person that listens to it.