BBC iPhone apps to launch despite commercial complaints
The BBC Trust has cleared free BBC iPhone apps for launch despite pressure from the publishing industry.
Publishers had called for the BBC's planned smartphone apps for news, sport and iPlayer to be blocked, claiming they would harm the commercial market.
But the BBC Trust today said the apps do not require being put through the scrutiny of a Public Value Test because they "would not represent a significant change to the BBC's existing public services".
The Trust said the apps would likely have a positive impact on users by providing easier access to online content, but would not provide any new content.
It made its decision after carrying out independent research into the apps market with Mediatique.
BBC Trustee Diane Coyle, who led the review, said: "The Apps market is rapidly taking off as more people choose to get their news, sport and other online content while they're on the move.
"The Trust has a duty to represent the interests of licence fee payers, who will increasingly expect to access BBC content in this way, but also to listen to concerns raised by industry.
"In this case we have concluded that while the apps market is developing quickly and we will monitor the launch of BBC Apps, a Public Value Test is not required."