(cc) by-nd Tim Loudon/flickr

The BBC's Simon Nelson (controller of multiplatform) has announced the corporation's intention to step up its web-only provision, rather than ploughing money primarily into programme support micro-sites, as has been the case in the past. With the aim of creating more content that 'doesn't need a tv', that means we should be seeing more stand-alone and essentially-interactive propositions.

There's been some great work towards this from the BBC in the past - Endemol's Signs of Life springs immediately to mind - but much of the BBC's content and views come from the obvious contenders: news and programme-support. Building a reputation as somewhere to go for new content that isn't associated with their tv or radio output won't be easy, but in these times the BBC, with its guaranteed revenue, certainly stands to make a big impact both within the UK and around the world.

(cc) by philcampbell/flickr

Bebo has taken the decision to pull out of its role as a commissioner of online TV content, stating that it no longer wants to risk financially investing in programming. It seems to me a strange decision, given that its original dramas such as Kate Modern and Sofia's Diary have been real differentiators for it from other social networks. Sofia's Diary even went on to get a TV slot on Five, redefining the stakes for web TV in the UK.

According to NMA, Bebo Originals will continue to host shows that have been fully funded by advertisers - though I can't really see the selling point. Come to us with a show with guaranteed backing, and we'll deign to host it on our network? Why wouldn't you just go straight to YouTube, where you're guaranteed higher views?

We'll see how it plays out, and Bebo still have two new series in the pipeline, apparently. Given that one might imagine Bebo to see themselves as one of the future networks, perhaps this is simply a sign of the times, and will thaw once the economy is looking a little better.