In the 12 months to March 31, 2013, the company reported a 1% rise in headline profit. Profit before tax, excluding gains and losses on disposals, was up 21%. The company also grew headline sales by 3%.
BBC Worldwide exists to support the BBC public service mission and to maximise profits on its behalf. This year, BBC Worldwide returned £156m (2011/12: £216m) to the BBC, bringing total returns to the BBC to over £1bn since 2007. Returns are down 28% since 2011/12. However, last year’s returns included a £73m one-off dividend relating to the sale of BBC Magazines. Returns for 2012/13 increased by 9% excluding these one-off proceeds.
BBC Worldwide’s 34 branded international channels have continued to drive revenues, through launching new operations, widening distribution and increasing advertising sales.
Announcing the results, Tim Davie, Chief Executive of BBC Worldwide and Director, Global, said:
“BBC Worldwide’s performance has remained very robust despite the economic challenges facing the media sector, with particular growth in programme sales and our international channels. 2013/14 will be a transformational year for the company with a re-focused strategy that maximises opportunities presented by new markets and technology. This will ensure BBC Worldwide remains a world-class content company that inspires audiences around the world and helps build the reputation and the commercial success of the global BBC.”
BBC Worldwide invested £176m in content in 2012/13. Investment in distribution rights was £104m, of which £74m was into BBC commissions. £91m was returned to independent rights holders through upfront rights investment, profit share and royalties.
Programme sales and distribution had revenues of £312m with particular growth in Europe and the first full year impact of Video on Demand (VOD) sales – and the BBC Worldwide Showcase 2013 attracted a record 700 international buyers to the Liverpool-based annual sales event.
Top selling programmes this year included Africa (195 territories), Top Gear USA (174 territories), Ripper Street and Parade’s End (each to over 120 territories). In addition, the format of The Great Bake Off now has 13 international commissions and Dancing with the Stars (the international version of Strictly Come Dancing) has sold 46 local versions.
BBC Worldwide delivered strong content through brokering co-production deals such as Africa (with CCTV, Discovery channel and France Télévisions), Ripper Street (with Lookout Point and Tiger Aspect) and forthcoming comedy The Wrong Mans (with Hulu).
Furthermore, the report added that BBC Worldwide has 406m subscriber homes to its TV channels around the world (up from 356m in 2011/12). There were 15 new launches of BBC Worldwide’s channel brands in the year, including for the first time, channels in Brazil, Burma and Cambodia. In April 2013, the business was restructured around geographical markets to ensure future growth in international markets.
