Is it Legal?

Is it legal? This is obviously the big question. Having looked at the regulations I ended up confused, but I hope to come back to an analysis of the law in the future. So, for now, never mind what the law says lets start with what 'the corporation' thinks. Fair play to 'the corporation' that on this occasion, at least, they are forthright in providing clear guidance. Note that this post was written in response to a question about the iPlayer but the answer is given in more general terms that clearly include any form of video podcasting.

"At the moment, the legal position is that you don't need a licence to watch TV [over the internet] purely on-demand, but you do if you are watching TV live (through any receiving device in the home)."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2008/01/iplayer_does_not_require_a_tv_1.html

What is interesting is the tone of the article; which exudes the sort of complacency that comes from an index linked pension. Does the 'the corporation' really not see this as a potential threat. Reading the comments to this post it seems that many people outside the higher echelons of Broadcasting House are aware of the possibilities. I am certainly hoping that they take a year or so to catch on. Labour might just give them a get out of jail free card if requested. A future Conservative government is likely to be much less sympathetic to the BBC; as semaphored recently by David Camerons statement that the there should be no increase in the TV Licence Fee.

This blog lays down a second ground rule that everything you read here will be advice on staying within the letter of the law. Of course if the law changes that position might change as well.