BBC Worldwide set to launch 30 channels

by Maria Esposito, Brand Republic 29-Oct-07, 10:30

LONDON - BBC Worldwide is planning to roll out another 30 channels in the international market over the next two years as part of a five-year strategy to generate double profits for the public broadcaster.

The commercial arm of the BBC will begin launching its new channels next April. The new services will be grouped under four brands -- BBC Entertainment, BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies -- and will use hit BBC programmes such as 'Doctor Who' and 'Spooks' to do it.

The plan is part of the BBC's effort to boost the contribution that BBC Worldwide makes to the corporation in light of the £2bn shortfall in its licence fee settlement agreed with the less than generous licence fee settlement. The government will only allow the fee to rise to a maximum of £151 by 2012, leaving the £2bn deficit.

BBC Worldwide is being asked to double its revenues to at least £222m within the next five years. Mark Thompson, BBC director general, has also announced 2,800 job cuts.

BBC Worldwide also plans to introduce a mixed genre high-definition channel. The four thematic services will be available as on-demand services via BBC America in the US.

News-driven channel BBC World will also see its footprint extended from the New York area to the whole country as the US appetite for international news grows.

This new wave of international channels will follow hot on the heels of another 21 channels due for launch before the end of this financial year.

The rollout will begin with four new channels in Poland in December, followed by similar launches in France, Germany, Scandinavia, Latin America and Africa. The high definition service is most likely to be aimed at Japan, South Korea and Australia.

All the services will mix BBC content with locally commissioned programming.

BBC Worldwide has been pursuing aggressive plans in recent months. As well as establishing a production business in India, the broadcaster's commercial arm has also bought a 75% stake in travel guide publisher Lonely Planet.

BBC Worldwide also plans to expand its online revenue by permitting ads on the bbc.com website, the portal for overseas audiences after the BBC Trust backed the plan earlier this month.

Ads already appear on the BBC World and also recently introduced to the international website's video content.

The BBC defended its intention to introduce internet advertising by saying that overseas readers, who do not pay the licence fee, should contribute towards the costs.

The British Internet Publishers Alliance said the plans would have a negative impact on its members, which include the Guardian Media Group and News International.

Comments

Keith Geddes - 29/10/2007

Is there any point in making any comments? I`m 56.. paid for my tv licence all my working independant life.. more each year now.. this year by DD though I dont remember asking for it, via Capita.. how much do they charge for collection.. how much of my money actually gets to the BBC?? Many, many questions. I just dont understand.. the mind set? Of the money the government must get.. how come they provide a budget anyway? Huh? Where does the `rest` go? Elsewhere, as much of our road tax and others.. Of course i`m cynical. I was in tv service trade for over 30 years.. know about production, get info from many places.. new names for BBC departments... why.. so much sold off.. whats left? I dont listen to radio, how many people do. Digital.. I have freesat.. still depend on analogue for time shifting, have a freeview box but my aerial isnt good. Seems the BBC is hanging on to its long ago earned laurels. But then they had the monopoly. If not for Ronan, would radio have evolved, if not for ITV..apparently set up by an ex bbc man, would tv have evolved? Now its `platforms`.. more competition, lots of channels with less decent content. A joke. When do we become the 51st state? Keith Geddes. Herts. UK.