BBC Worldwide announces 'substantial' sales increase

BBC Worldwide, a commercial arm of the BBC, have announced a significant contribution to the UK’s television export industry on the eve of their annual television programme market event – BBC Showcase.
BBC Worldwide Chief Executive Rupert Gavin (pictured) announced a growth in programme exports of around 20 per cent over the last year.
Crediting a number of factors in this year’s growth in business, including programme exports, branded blocks, joint venture partnerships and channel development, Mr Gavin said: “In a market that is currently declining overall we have succeeded by approaching the market in a more flexible and strategic way. We no longer rely solely on programme sales, but are looking at every possible way of developing and exporting the BBC brand in new territories, whilst maintaining our foothold in established markets."
H added: "Creating highly visible platforms around the world has enabled us to build a substantial global business. This strategy has distinguished us from other UK media companies and is paying off both in terms of income and global awareness.”
One such strategy is the development of BBC formats for the international market. 'The Weakest Link' was BBC Worldwide’s most successful export last year and is now licensed in more than 75 countries. The show has alo recently received a major new deal with Fuji Television in Japan, and the award-winning format is expected to generate more than £50 million over the next four to five years.
BBC showcase, the world’s largest television programme market hosted by a single broadcaster, will be held in Brighton from February 24-27. This year the event has attracted a record 460 buyers from around the globe – an increase of 20 per cent on last year’s attendance.
“The year-on-year success of BBC Showcase clearly demonstrates the strength of the BBC in the international market,” said Mr Gavin.
“No other broadcaster in the world has the range of programming, in terms of quality and diversity, to attract so many international buyers for such an event.”
Deals initiated at the market generate an estimated £40 million annually for BBC Worldwide.
BBC Worldwide, www.bbcworldwide.com
(GB)