The BBC has launched the first phase of a pay model for visitors to its website in the United States.
In the initial phase of the launch, users will pay $1 a week ($49.99/year) or $8.99/month for unlimited access to the BBC’s news articles, feature stories and the 24/7 livestream of the BBC News channel.
Later this year, the BBC plans to include ad-free documentary series and films (including the full BBC Select documentary catalogue), ad-free and early release podcasts, and exclusive newsletters and content in the offer.
The BBC said the pay model launch supports its effort to grow international commercial revenue to help fund its journalism and storytelling.
BBC.com relaunched last year and now reaches 139 million visitors globally, including nearly 60 million in the US.
Visitors who choose not to pay will still have access to select global breaking news stories, BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service radio livestreams, BBC World Service Languages sites, and a variety of free newsletters and podcasts. The site will remain ad-supported.
Rebecca Glashow, CEO, BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming, said: “We’re bringing more of the BBC’s trusted, high-quality content together in one powerful, easy-to-access destination. Over the next few months, as we test and learn more about audience needs and habits, additional long-form factual content will be added to the offer for paying users. This is a major milestone and just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
Deborah Turness, CEO, BBC News, said: “Through our partnership with BBC Studios we are growing our audiences in North America - providing more people with news they can trust at a time of dramatic global uncertainty.”
WBD mails definitive proxy statement to finalise Netflix merger
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will hold a special meeting of shareholders to vote on the merger with Netflix on March 20, 2026. In the meantime, WBD has begun mailing the definitive proxy statement to shareholders for the meeting.
Sky's talks to acquire ITV slow down
Talks by Sky to acquire ITV’s broadcast channels and streaming platform have slowed in recent weeks, according to a report by Reuters.
Bytedance pledges to rein in Seedance AI tool
Chinese technology giant ByteDance has pledged to curb its controversial artificial intelligence (AI) video-making tool Seedance, following complaints from major studios and streamers.
Digital switch-off prospect nullifies Arqiva’s value
Arqiva’s main shareholder has admitted that its holding of the transmission company might be worth nothing.
Warner Bros Discovery mulls re-opening sales talks with Paramount
Warner Bros Discovery is considering reopening sale talks with Paramount Skydance Corp, according to a Bloomberg report.
