TV channel Five has said it will be the first UK broadcaster to offer parts of its shows for sale as legal downloads.
From Monday, viewers of motoring show Fifth Gear can pay £1.50 for “DVD quality” downloads of car reviews. Legal music download sites have become hugely popular – but TV companies have so far not used the same technology to put programmes online.
But British viewers illegally download US shows in relatively high numbers, recent research suggested. Producers said reviews of 12 cars such as the Porsche 911 and Ferrari F430 would be available to buy as downloads from Monday.
Fifth Gear’s “shoot-outs”, where similar cars are raced, would also be available, they said.
Download company 7 Digital, which is providing the technology for the online shop, said TV companies were increasingly keen to earn money from the internet. Managing director Ben Drury said: “Broadcasters have seen the revenues attainable from music downloads and are eager to do the same with their own content.
“TV footage can work so much harder for broadcasters, with the internet now a commercially sound distribution channel.”
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