JoostTeam

BBC World News today announces the launch of the BBC World News app, allowing users of the iPhone and iPod Touch in sixteen European countries to watch the channel live on their Apple devices over Wi-Fi and 3G networks.

The application, which is available to download directly from the Apple AppStore, enables users from the Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland to watch BBC World News live, wherever they are in the world.

The BBC World News app, which has been produced together with online TV specialist Livestation, is available for €7.99 and can be downloaded from the iPhone App Store from 3 June. The BBC’s mobile news site is also included in the App, providing users with one-click access to all the latest international news and sport. The launch will be supported by a series of on-screen activity on BBC World News as well as advertising on Livestation’s website.

Jim Egan, Director of Strategy and Business Development at BBC Global News, says: “This is an exciting new way for BBC World News viewers living in Europe to watch the channel anywhere. With live TV streaming alongside the BBC’s mobile news site the app is a complete on-demand news service. Having a news channel available live on the iPhone at this level of broadcast quality is a world first. We aim to extend this service to iPhone owners in other regions soon.”

Matteo Berlucchi, CEO of Livestation, says: “We are delighted to be able to bring BBC World News to the iPhone as we believe this is the first hand-held device that can take mobile TV to the next level, thanks to its superior screen and connectivity qualities. Being able to watch BBC World News live from an iPhone or iPod Touch while in cafes, at home, in hotels or airport lounges is clearly a very attractive proposition. I am confident viewers will welcome the ability to take their favourite news channel with them while on the move.”

BBC World News, the most watched BBC channel, has 74 million viewers a week.