That's right - you can search for many BBC television or radio shows on the  BBC Catalog search website.

The web pages, unlike most other web pages on the Internet, are actual valid XHTML.  They do not have syntax errors on them.

The site also uses other modern technologies: CSS, RDF with Dublin Core standard metadata, and RSS.


Naturally, this is just information about the shows.  The recordings of the shows are not on the website. At least not on this one.


The site is a very good showcase of what broadcast networks and studios can do to connect with their audiences, entice fans to visit their websites, and build support for their television and radio programming.


It also offers some insight as to how networks can rekindle interest in long-ago aired shows.  After all, once people find out about series and episodes that catch their interest - the next step would be to monotize that by allowing them to buy!

That might not be the direction BBC goes with this.  For now, it looks like they are just putting out out there and waiting to see how people react.


Check it out if you are curious about the Doctor Who series or anything else from BBC that has caught your fancy over the years.