BBC News set to charge US audiences for the first time – costs revealed
The dynamic pay model is set to be expanded in coming weeks following the initial phase.
BBC News launched the first phase of its US pay model today (Thursday 26th June), with visitors of BBC.com expected to subscribe in order to access content.
The commercially funded website is reported to reach 60 million visitors in the US alone, and operates separately from the BBC's UK platforms.
The move was previously reported by The Guardian, which claimed BBC bosses were considering charging US-based consumers earlier this month in a bid to boost revenue.
This initial stage will offer visitors the chance to pay $49.99 a year or $8.99 a month to gain unlimited access to the website's content as well as the BBC News channel live stream.
"In the coming months, as we test and learn from audience consumption, ad-free documentary series and films (including the full BBC Select documentary catalogue), ad-free and early release podcasts, and exclusive newsletters and content will be included in the offer," the BBC confirmed in a statement.
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."
The dynamic pay model will still allow those who do not subscribe access, but only to select content.
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