The BBC was due to launch two new sports and news applications for download to Apple iPhones, however the BBC Trust has asked for a delay.

The reason: a market assessment. It seems representatives form the media industry suggested that allowing the go ahead would distort the market.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Eric Huggers, the BBC director of Future Media & Technology believes the Corporation shouldn’t delay the launch. He said: “I think, from my point of view, the BBC wouldn’t have been as bullish as it was about the developments of these apps if it didn’t think they were within the remit of the corporation.

“I look at it from the consumer’s point of view – when using a small form factor, like a mobile phone screen, a browser is not the best way to display information – whereas apps work much better and have created a new user paradigm. The BBC has always over the last 10 years repurposed the same content to suit different devices in the best way. This is no different.”

A spokesman for the BBC Trust did emphasise that a decision will be made within weeks and not months.

David Newell, director of the NPA (Newspaper Publishers Association), told the Telegraph: “It is vital that these proposals are scrutinised properly to avoid any adverse impact on commercial media organisations.

“We are pleased that the BBC Trust has listened to the industry’s concerns and acted to delay the planned April launch.

“We hope this will enable a thorough assessment to be undertaken.”