Category: 91Èȱ¬ TWO; bbc.co.uk
Date: 08.02.2006
Printable version
The Apprentice will become the first extensive broadband experience on 91Èȱ¬ TWO's new-look website - bbc.co.uk/bbctwo - as part of the 91Èȱ¬'s TV Plus trials, which aim to find new ways to engage audiences with programmes and enhance their viewing experience.
Ìý
As well as the chance to watch The Apprentice again for the duration of the series, there will be 'must-see' clips from forthcoming episodes and the opportunity to catch some of the best moments again, including the infamous Alan Sugar firings.
Ìý
Viewers can rate their enjoyment of the programme and watch candidates' auditions.
Ìý
There will also be a link to the existing Apprentice website, which will complement 91Èȱ¬ TWO's broadband experience with a blog from last series candidate Saira and the popular celebrity stock market game Celebdaq which will list all the candidates.
Ìý
The upgraded channel website - which goes live today - features an entirely new look and feel, designed for maximum clarity, ease of use and entertainment value.
Ìý
Alongside The Apprentice, the site will be rich in other streamed video content drawn from the full range of the channel schedule, including a regularly updated mix of entertaining clips, sequences and specially edited short-form videos, as well as a lively selection of links to other content on bbc.co.uk and across the web.
Ìý
Roly Keating, 91Èȱ¬ TWO Controller, says: "The broadband audience is becoming bigger and more demanding by the day, and our new-look website is designed to make the most of the fluid mix of video and text that users increasingly expect.
Ìý
"I believe it has the potential to transform our relationship with the audience, bringing them closer to the channel than ever before and offering ways to engage with our programmes that were impossible in the narrowband age.
Ìý
"Our exciting trial with The Apprentice is the perfect starting-point for this journey of discovery."
Ìý
Other features of the new upgraded website in its early weeks include:
Ìý
The Winter Olympics - twice daily packages of highlights, a package of the greatest ever Winter Olympic moments and the sports stars to look out for
Ìý
The Culture Show - each item available separately to watch alone or in any order plus the hottest interviews, and The Culture Show's critics on the latest film releases, exhibitions and music
Ìý
Timewatch - a specially created 90 second taster, a compact five minute version of some programmes post-transmission, big interviews in full
Ìý
Family Guy and American Dad - weekly clips from the cult United States imports
Ìý
Newsnight - a link to catch the whole programme the next day
Ìý
Working Lunch - a weekly round up of the best moments, the big interviews and the daily programme in full
Ìý
Sneak previews of upcoming programmes.
Ìý
Footage will be preceded by content guidance where necessary and will not stream until the message has been acknowledged by pressing 'continue'.
Ìý
The video can only be viewed in the UK.
Ìý
The development of 91Èȱ¬ TWO's new-look site has been led by Kate Bradshaw (Executive Editor) and Dominic Vallely (Channel Executive Broadband), project managed by Zillah Myers, with design by Julie Dodd, Tim Bleasdale and Audrey Rapier.
Ìý
The website and player have been produced by New Media Production & Development, led by Victoria Felton (Executive Producer, Editorial).
Ìý
91Èȱ¬ TWO's broadband experience is the channel trial for the 91Èȱ¬'s TV Plus project.
Ìý
Other pilots include preview clips on mobile phones, programme premieres on broadband a week ahead of their TV transmission and a rich interactive experience, Parenting Video On Demand.
Ìý
