Over the years, the partnership between BBC and Discovery has produced acclaimed programming events such as Life, Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and Wonders Of The Solar System. Although the formal relationship is coming to an end, the BBC and Discovery will continue to work together on a number of forthcoming projects, including Hidden Kingdoms and How To Build A Planet. Bal Samra, BBC Commercial Director, said: “The BBC and Discovery have enjoyed a … [Read more...] about BBC’s partnership with Discovery comes to mutual end
Frozen Planet
BBC Worldwide reports growth in profits
BBC Worldwide has published its Annual Review for 2011/12 showing an eight percent rise in headline profit to £155m (2010/11: £144m). Profit before tax of £104m (2010/11: £92m excluding gains on disposals) is up 13% on a like for like basis. The company grew headline sales by 5% to £1,085m in the 12 months to 31 March 2012 (2010/11: £1,030m). These figures exclude the BBC Magazine titles sold and licensed in the year. Sales & Distribution is BBC … [Read more...] about BBC Worldwide reports growth in profits
Mark Thompson to exit BBC
BBC Director-General Mark Thompson has released an internal memo that he will be stepping down from his role after the London Olympics, although no exact date has yet been set. He said in the statement to staff, “I’ve always been on the side of change because I believe that, in the middle of a media revolution, change is the only way of safeguarding what is so precious about the BBC. But change always brings disruption and uncertainty in its wake – and I do want to say a … [Read more...] about Mark Thompson to exit BBC
Going for another spin
Singapore – Korean network XTM has recommissioned Top Gear Korea for two more series, both set to air next year. BBC Worldwide introduced Top Gear Korea to buyers at the Asia Television Forum (ATF) this year as one of its key focuses, alongside other programming highlights such as natural history title Frozen Planet. The format debuted on XTM in August and outperformed the network’s prime time average across all major demographics. To date, the original show has been licensed to 198 … [Read more...] about Going for another spin
Gearing up for ATF
BBC Worldwide is introducing Top Gear Korea at the Asia Television Forum (ATF), during a launch event on 7 December. Joyce Yeung, GM & SVP for BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution Asia, said, “We’ve had a hugely successful year launching formats in Asia, particularly in Korea where audiences have embraced Top Gear and Dancing with the Stars.” Korea’s local production of Top Gear outperformed the XTM prime time average across all major demographics. Dancing with the Stars … [Read more...] about Gearing up for ATF
Exclusive: Icy response from CCTV
BBC Worldwide's Sales and Distribution business in Asia has secured a pre-sale for Frozen Planet with China Central Television's (CCTV) Documentary Channel. Still in production, the 6x50min series from BBC's world-renowned Natural History Unit, reunites narrator Sir David Attenborough with the award-winning team behind Blue Planet and Planet Earth, and features groundbreaking imagery as camera teams go deep under the ice, plunge into the heart of an erupting polar volcano, and get closer than … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Icy response from CCTV