[DTV]

I think that's exactly why. That's also why NBC and Fox have set up their own, new streaming channel, yet their longtime MSNBC and FNC remain on cable only. It just seems like a mistake that the BBC is ignoring the streaming world and cordcutters and instead is doubling down on traditional distribution methods.

I expect the difference though between NBC and Fox and the BBC is advertising distribution. NBC and Fox's streams will be primarily US in audience and so will have no problem recruiting US advertisers. I don't know if you can do region-specific streams on things like YouTube, so BBC World might have problems gaining US advertisers for a service that is not predominantly American. Given how comparatively lucrative US advertising is, I doubt the BBC would want to undercut their cable partners if they can't get the same US advertising spend without them.