The BBC has launched a
new beta site called BBC Backstage, which
is their new developer network. They've put the call out for people to remix their
content, using their APIs and content RSS feeds. Although over the years the BBC has been
understandably "cautious" about "letting go of control of so much of our content", it's a
good sign they've started the unshackling process now.
I took a look at the Prototype section of the site and was impressed by the projects already published: a BBC News/Wikipedia mash-up, some del.icio.us experimentation and a search of the BBC's Today program.
In the BBC/Wikipedia and BBC/del.icio.us prototype apps, the additonal information and links are integrated very tightly using the existing BBC News design. In fact it took my eyes a while to pick up the changes! While using the same design may be the point, personally I'd prefer a little more differentiation - if only so the Wikipedia and del.icio.us services have their fair share of branding on those pages.
Other highlights for me in the Prototype section were an RSS feed of BBC complaints and Mint, "a video bloggers friend". I can't wait to see what else pops up! You don't necessarily need to develop the apps yourself either, you can simply note down an idea and who knows who'll pick it up and run with it. For example, Rael Dornfest has put in a request for "an app that'll find, bundle, and download all parts of a four part radio play".
So whether you're a developer or a normal user with a request, the BBC Backstage has something for you. Congrats to the BBC for fully embracing the Remix Culture!
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