— New music store: BBC Worldwide is planning to launch an ad-funded music store, offering free and commercial downloads and web streaming, with a launch selection of 1,000 tracks, MediaWeek reckons, though details are sketchy. The store would comprise material from 300 music-related shows from the BBC archive, including The Old Grey Whistle Test and Radio 1’s Live Lounge. Web streaming would be free, with downloads operated as time-limited rentals and permanent purchases.
— ISP moves: ISP watchers are getting exorcised about BBC plans to switch some of its iPlayer programme distribution from the Akamai (NSDQ: AKAM) content delivery network to Level3. Unlike Akamai, an “open-peer” network, Level3 charges all but the major ISPs to receive content it transfers. Thinkbroadband reports “this is likely to increase the costs for small- and medium-sized service providers”, suggesting the BBC is saving money by shifting costs to the smaller ISPs. The BBC did not return request for comment at publication time.
— More simulcast: CBeebies, CBBC and BBC Four will be simulcast from September 16, joining BBC Three and the BBC News channel in getting live web distribution. Broadcasts will be for UK users only and take place under a 12-month trial, with the BBC reminding viewers they would still need a TV license for the practice. Releae.