Industry news

BBC website overspends but performs well, says review

The BBC has been warned by its trust over spending more than double its online budget on its website last year, it has emerged.

Figures from the BBC trust's review of the website - as part of its licensing agreement - found that the total cost of the website last year amounted to £110 million which is 48 per cent over its budget.

The trust was favourable overall about the performance of the site saying it offers an "excellent service" that is "highly valued by users" and strongly contributes to the BBC's public purpose.

Chairman of the trust Sir Michael Lyons said its first extensive review was a clear example of how "robust scrutiny by the BBC's governing body works for the benefit of those who pay for and own the BBC".

Dame Patricia Hodgson, the BBC trustee who led the review, said: "The purpose of this extensive review is to make sure the public receive the best quality and value for money from [the website]."

Meanwhile it was reported last week by silicon.com that the BBC iPlayer is booming as it received 21 million programme requests in April.