Questions about registration

These FAQ's answer questions about the previews service and registration process.

Usernames when registering

Please Read

When registering and entering your chosen username please make sure it contains no spaces, for example 'Previews Unit' should be 'previewsunit' or 'previews.unit'. Including spaces in your username seems to cause an error when activating your registration.

Am I able to use this service?

Yes, if you are a staff member of a print or digital press medium based in the UK or freelancer, which regularly requires access to BBC content ahead of transmission for the purposes of preview or review within the British press.

This is a business to business service, no access will be provided to members of the public. This website is to only be used for business purposes, no personal use is allowed.

Do I register for Previews or Radio Previews?

If you require access to BBC TV programmes please register for Previews (TV) and for BBC radio programmes please register for Radio Previews.

What happens after I register?

Your application form will be sent directly to BBC Previews for review. Once approved, you will receive an email asking you to activate your account. The BBC does however reserve the sole discretion to refuse access to bbcpreviews.co.uk.

Depending on the volume of applications, the process may take a few days.

What can I do on the website?

If you register for BBC Previews then you can stream content from BBC One, Two, Three & Four via the video player on the webiste. If you register for BBC Radio Previews then you are also able to download audio files, as well as streaming the previews in the website.
Across both services you are able to search for content, utilise quick links to find content, see a recommended selection of BBC programming and also create a worklist to manage your previews.
A notes tool is also available on the BBC Previews (TV) site, so you can write your preview or review as you watch the programme.

What content will be available?

BBC TV Previews and BBC Radio Previews will provide a selection of content from the main BBC output channels, including, BBC One, Two, Three & Four and BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Live.
Both the Previews Unit and Radio Previews team will provide a similar amount of content online that was previously supplied. Sometimes production schedules mean that we are unable to supply certain programmes - you are able to contact the Previews Unit and Audio & Music team as normal for queries regarding these programmes.

How will my personal data be handled?

Your data is protected under the data protection act and in line with the terms of use for this service. You data will not be passed on to any third parties. We will only alter your data under instruction from you. You company information or publication information that you provide in the registration form will determine what access you are given to the service.

How do I watch/listen to programmes?

BBC Previews is a stream only service, no programmes are available for download. You can search for and choose the content you want to watch and then play it within the website.
BBC Radio Previews is stream and download, so that you are able to listen to Radio previews on your own devices.

Where can I obtain clips for my website?

You can visit the BBC programme pages by going to http://bbc.co.uk/programmes - from here you can search for the programme you require, the programme page will then display a selection of media from that programme if it is available. Please note that only some programmes will have a clip available.