BBC Web API (beta)

This is a prototype. Please read the terms of use

The purpose of this API is to allow people greater access to our content and information about our content. Two words sum up what this API is about: simple and TV-Anytime. The API is built on a TV-Anytime database (the same as used for the BBC Backstage 7-day TV/Radio feeds) and you can use it to extract information in TV-Anytime format. We have also provided a simple response format, giving quick and easy access to information.

Actions

In writing this first draft of the API specification, the following are assumed popular actions which will be called regularly:

Query now and next information (time, channel, title and synopsis)
Build schedule information for today (time, channel, title and synopsis)
Get access to live streams
Find recently broadcast programmes

Examples

If you would like some more information on how you can use this API, we have put together some example applications. We are not endorsing a particular product and would like to see this API used on as many different platforms as possible.

XSLT

The API returns machine-readable XML. An XML to HTML transform is provided in order for responses to be human-readable. This also allows interaction so that you can easily click through to get further information without having to start a new API call by hand.

For more information visit http://www.w3.org/TR/xslt

Something broken? Something you want to add?

The API is in development and as such we would love to hear from you. If you have spotted a bug (heaven forbid) or would like us to add a new feature please let us know. You can do so through the BBC Backstage discussion list which gives you access to the backstage community.

Methods

The API is broken down into packages which represent logical chunks of information. These packages are set to change and further packages may be required with additional functionality.

channel

genre

group

programme

schedule

bbc.schedule.getProgrammes