S4C joins BBC iPlayer as first third-party channel

Welsh-language channel S4C has joined the BBC iPlayer service.

The move marks the first time that the BBC has integrated a third-party broadcaster into its catch-up platform. S4C is joining iPlayer on a 18-month trial basis with S4C editorially responsible for its commissioned content.

At the end of this period, the BBC will evaluate the pilot’s technical and audience success.

S4C programmes will be available for 30 days to stream, with downloads coming soon. Programmes include the new romantic comedy drama Cara Fi (Love Me), while the first screening of a special episode of detective drama Y Gwyll/Hinterland will take place on New Year’s Day.

The BBC Trust, the public broadcaster’s governing body, last year took responsibility for funding the greater part of S4C’s output until March 2017 as part of the BBC’s last licence fee settlement.

“It has been great to have worked together in partnership with the BBC to ensure that S4C content is now available on BBC iPlayer. This is integral to S4C’s strategy set out at the beginning of 2012 of ensuring that S4C’s content is available anytime, anyplace, anywhere,” said S4C CEO Ian Jones.

“As the only independent broadcaster to offer content on BBC iPlayer, we hope that it will offer additional opportunities for the public to view the fantastic range of content S4C broadcasts. This will be a very welcome addition to the range of platforms and services through which S4C content is available, and help maintain the huge growth we have seen in those accessing our programmes online.”