With podcasting and the success of download sites such as iTunes, there’s a growing market for download-only media. Recently, Audible launched in the UK, and the BBC are now selling MP3 CDs of some of their programming.
But not every drama or comedy the BBC makes is available to buy. There are obviously criteria which the guys at BBC Worldwide have to consider before deciding whether or not it’s worth producing an audiobook version of a particular play or series. So while the latest Hitchhikers’ series were always going to get CD releases, the recent nine part adaptation of Paul Scott’s Raj Quartet (dramatised on ITV in the eighties as The Jewel In The Crown) doesn’t. It would probably sell a few copies, but since it’s upwards of nine hours, and hence 9 CDs, the production costs would be significant, and it probably wouldn’t sell enough to make it worthwhile.
But couldn’t it be sold direct as a download?
If it cost, say £15, then there’d be enough room for a profit and all the various actors, writers, composers and directors could receive their fair share according to the usual rules of these things. At the moment, the series ends up on a shelf somewhere in whatever digital format the BBC archive their programmes these days, until BBC 7 (probably the only other outlet in the world that would play this again) picks it up.
I’m not suggesting that every play gets put up on iTunes or wherever, but quite a few of them probably could. I can’t see that anyone’s losing out. BBC Worldwide would make a few more quid to plough back into programming and a few listeners would be able to get hold of plays, dramas and comedies (also a popular form of programming for CDs) that would never otherwise be made available. CDs of more popular shows could still come out in the same way, sometimes in extended versions and with smart packaging for those who want it.
Of course the Beeb has Listen Again, but that’s only really good for PC listening in the following week. Rights issues are always going to limit what programming the BBC is free to “give away” as podcasts, so the sell-through option is all that’s left.
Last Sunday, BBC One showed Hiroshima, a drama-documentary about the events of 60 years ago. The next day, the DVD was on sale on the high street. Why shouldn’t the Saturday Play also be available as a download?
You can certainly listen to it again for a week via the fantastic Listen Again feature on the BBC