The BBC is planning to offer a subscription-based service to iPad owners outside the U.K.

The initiative is being led by BBC Worldwide, the BBC's commercial arm and is expected to pilot first in the U.S. as the Global iPlayer app next year. Currently, one must be in the U.K. to access the BBC iPlayer's content, which includes both radio and television shows.

Luke Bradley-Jones, managing director of BBC.com, said this week in London that Apple's tablet "provides such potential to develop a truly interactive video-on-demand service." There is also the possibility of the BBC's service offering third-party content, though no deals have been confirmed yet.

Read more of "BBC iPlayer heading overseas with subscription-only iPad service" at Crave UK.