BBC to put its output online for free distribution

They're calling it the Creative Archive and Greg Dyke, the Director General of the beeb is lauding the idea as "free and available to everyone". The BBC charter indicates, unlike most other media companies who have to tightly restrict content distribution, that they should spread work by the corporation as widely as possible. One method they appear to be considering is through P2P networks on the net. The idea is that the BBC will host servers for people to download high quality copies of their programmes and then, the crucial part, to share them. Currently the Beeb gets a small percentage of their £5 biliion revenue from selling copies of its programmes in consumer products, but this might well be risked in favour of a wider spread of it's work.
The idea is admirable and also a difficult one. The BBC has to look forward 13 years to 2016 and say how they want to progress to that time. This is all because of their charter renewal currently being hyped. Every 'few' years the BBC is made to justify itself and its tax on UK citizens by lobbying for a new lease of life. Now is the time for it to do so, and as a result it is looking to see how it could be by the time of hte next one. Considering that most people will be on FAR faster net connections by then (not stuck on 512 broadband even, but more like the japanese who are on a minimum of around 11 Mb/s), distribution could well change. Autie is looking to lead the pack by getting its content out there - and here are the story links.
BBC Online Coverage Media Guardian Comment
"The real roadblock to putting the old shows online isn't technical. It's legal. The Creative Archive's license could allow unlimited viewing, editing, and reuse of the digitized BBC programs, which are funded by an annual TV fee (don't call it a tax unless you're ready for a pub brawl) on UK viewers. The archive's license would contain specific language to prohibit resale or any use the Beeb sees as an attempt to cash in on Britain's public property."