The Media Guardian notes today that the BBC may sell its programs over the internet -- including to overseas users -- and may also take advertising on its website for the first time, in a new plan to boost revenue. "It's something we've been mandated to do by our charter," says Ashley Highfield, director of BBC new media and technology. "It's now become possible because we have internet rights that we could charge for, and we now have the technology." The article notes that "New technology makes it possible for the BBC... to identify exactly where its internet users are coming from. ... The BBC has previously investigated advertising to overseas users of its website, but concluded that the technology was too unreliable. Now, it is prepared to re-examine the idea. While it is unlikely that straightforward online news coverage would be accompanied by advertising, other elements of the BBC.co.uk site could be accompanied by ads if viewed from abroad." The article notes that the BBC will stage a large scale public trial of its interactive Media Player (iMP) technology later this year (aimed at providing UK licence fee payers with the means to download any programme or radio show from the previous week); overseas users would then be charged a fee or subscription after the system is approved and goes live. There's no word, however, if Doctor Who would be included in this... but it's a very promising possibility. Also reported at Brand Republic. (Thanks to Paul Hayes, Mark Healey)

Russell T Davies was listed at number 14 on the Media Guardian Top 100 list of the most powerful people in UK media, according to Media Guardian andBBC News. The list ranks media professionals by cultural influence, economic weight and political power. Says co-executive producer Julie Gardner, "Russell T Davies has extraordinary talent as both a writer and a producer. As a writer, he is a masterful storyteller, able to juxtapose effortlessly humour and tragedy whilst creating engaging, real characters that an audience can care about. As a producer, Russell is an inspiration - he is hardworking, ceaselessly enthusiastic and able to make people believe they can achieve the impossible. Doctor Who has the fortune of having found a great lead writer-executive producer in Russell - he has a huge, joyful appetite for television and, in Doctor Who, he's found a format that challenges and rewards his immense talent." One of the panelists who compiled the Media Guardian list said Mr Davies "can now do anything he wants". BBC Director General and Chairman Mark Thompson and Michael Grade jointly shared the number one slot, new BBC1 Controller Peter Fincham is at number 12, while BBC Head of Drama Jane Tranter -- critical in the return of Doctor Who to television -- was at number 79. (Thanks to Peter Weaver, Craig Hinton, Paul Hayes)

Several new covers have come to light in recent days. Doctor Who at the BBC Volume Three will be out later in the year; this third audio volume from BBC Audio once again features Doctor Who interviews and radio clips, again narrated by Elisabeth Sladen. Doctor Who Funfax from Penguin Books is "a 96 page 2-ring binder packed with amazing photos and facts from the outstanding TV series. Containing a cool diary, stickers, Doctor Who data, profiles of favourite characters, a fabulous poster and heaps more, this is a must-have item for any young fan of the show". Finally, Nick Wallace's forthcoming BBC Books novel Fear Itself will be out in September and features the eighth Doctor. Click on each thumbnail for a larger version. (Thanks to Galaxy 4, Nick Wallace)

The new SFX Best of British Magazine comes with a free Art of Doctor Who book (cover at right; click on thumbnail for a larger version). "The Art Of Doctor Who... will showcase loads of concept drawings and production art from the first season of the new show. This substantial, high quality collectable booklet is something you'll want to keep."

The BBC's audience research for the first series of "Doctor Who" has shown some major developments for the channel. The series average to date, in final numbers, has been 8.2 million viewers and a 40% share; episode one had the highest audience for a new Doctor (jointly held with Tom Baker's debut in 1974) and the second highest launch of a new series (behind season 17 in 1979). The show strongly skewed toward both children and 35-44 year old age brackets, with an average overnight AI (audience index) ranking of 83, higher than normal for BBC drama. 63% of viewers said their main reason for watching episode 1 was because of the trailer, while 22% said their main reason for watching episode 6 was to see the Daleks. However, 68% said it was because they were enjoying the series. Over 90% of viewers polled say the Doctor Who is "good family viewing" but 19% had concerns about children being scared by the series, highest amongst older women. Just 6% of parents who watched Doctor Who wouldn't allow their children to watch. 59% of the audience think Doctor Who is better than other drama,a nd a massive 82% of the audience are "Very likely" to watch the new series, with a further 14% are quite likely.

The audio trailer for Terror Firma starring Paul McGann and Terry Molloy is now online.

The BBC has released details of the BBC Wales Annual Review 2004-05 on its press office website (link here). Hot on the heels of yesterday's praise ofDoctor Who in the BBC's overall review, the report claims that "Doctor Who led BBC Cymru Wales to one of its most successful twelve months ever during 2004-05." It adds that "The value of programmes made by BBC Cymru Wales for the BBC's national networks rose from ú16 million in 2003-04 to more than ú30 million in 2004-05." Says BBC News, "The high spot for Drama was undoubtedly Doctor Who." The BBC Controller's introductionto the report says that "the old-style programme is fondly remembered but the new Doctor Who, made by BBC Wales, is a galaxy away from the Saturday night entertainment of a generation ago. The rapidly developing technology of television, particularly through the use of the most advanced special effects, brings it much closer to the kind of thing viewers are used to seeing in the cinema. Now the Daleks can even climb the stairs. Their return, and the return of the Doctor has proved hugely popular with audiences on BBC One and there is already a firm commitment to two further series. It is a vivid demonstration of what we can achieve in Wales." The magazine The Stage also has a feature article on this. (Thanks to Paul Hayes, Steve Tribe)

The date, time and content of the BBC3 repeat run have today been revised, according to the Radio Times website. In line with the report on the official Doctor Who site, the repeats will not now begin on Saturday 16 July at 7.45pm. Instead, "Rose" will be reshown from 7pm on Sunday 17 July and will be followed by a "Cut Down" version of Doctor Who Confidential: Bringing back the Doctor" from 7.45pm to 8pm. The official site suggests that there will be a further BBC3 transmission of the series on Friday evenings from 9pm to 10pm, and repeats will likely continue on BBC3 on subsequent Sundays as well.

Voting has now opened for the National Television Awards 2005, sponsored by ITV, with Doctor Who listed for Most Popular Drama Series, Christopher Eccleston nominated (alongside Peter Davison in Distant Shores) as Most Popular Actor, and Billie Piper as Most Popular Actress. Honorable mention here too for Dead Ringers' nomination in the Most Popular Comedy category. These awards are voted for by the public and are a simple popularity poll, rather than an industry award akin to the BAFTAs. UK readers can vote at the NTA 2005 website before 29 July; the awards will be given out later in the year.

Louise Jameson is the subject of the fifth volume of MJTV's audio CD series The Actor Speaks, due out at the end of August. "MJTV is now working on the 5th volume of it's successful 'Actor Speaks' series, the focus being the delightful Louise Jameson, star of 'Dr. Who', 'Tenko', 'Bergerac' and 'Eastenders' plus many other stage and screen appearances!" Fans are asked to send in questions they'd like to ask the actress here, and details of the release are available at the MJTV website. (Thanks to Mark J Thompson)