The proposed changes were submitted to Ofcom in April
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has given “provisional” approval to plans that would enable shows to be available on the BBC iPlayer for longer.
The BBC wants to change the iPlayer from a 30-day catch-up service to one where programmes are available for 12 months as standard.
After a competition assessment, Ofcom decided the changes could “deliver significant public value over time”.
The media regulator said it expected to make its final decision in August.
Ofcom said the proposed changes “would pose challenges for other public service broadcasters’ video-on-demand services”.
Yet it said they were justified as they “could increase choice and availability of public-service broadcast content and help ensure the BBC remains relevant in the face of changing viewing habits.”
Affected parties have until 10 July to weigh in on the regulator’s provisional conclusions.
The BBC submitted its proposals to Ofcom in April and has yet to comment on its announcement.
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.