BBC Worldwide & BBC Studios to Merge

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The BBC is combining BBC Studios and BBC Worldwide into a single commercial organization.

Operating as BBC Studios, the unified business will have a single business plan and combined operating model—encompassing the commercial activities already carried out by BBC Worldwide—including content financing, sales and commercial channels—and BBC Studios—the BBC’s main program production arm.

While BBC Studios and BBC Worldwide have already been working together closely, the idea is that joining forces will allow them to “operate more simply and efficiently,” the BBC said. The two combined their efforts for Blue Planet II, which is produced by BBC Studios with more than three-quarters of the funding coming from BBC Worldwide and partners.

Following the restructure, the combined companies will employ around 3,000 permanent staff, along with six production bases in the U.K., a further seven wholly owned and production partnerships internationally, and operations in a total of 22 markets.

The new BBC Studios will be led by Tim Davie as CEO and Mark Linsey as chief creative officer.

BBC Director-General Tony Hall said: “In a fast-changing TV industry, securing the future success of the BBC is vital.

“Creating a single BBC Studios will bring the BBC in line with the industry, be simpler and more efficient. It will help ensure that license fee payers in the U.K. continue to receive outstanding British programs which reflect British lives, long into the future.

“It will also ensure the BBC can continue to play its crucial role in supporting the successful U.K. creative economy.”

Davie added: “Creating one company, in line with market norms, is a natural step in this market.

“The new BBC Studios will be focused on the highest quality British content, underpinning our future financial return to license fee payers. It will allow us to better serve customers, indie partners and the wider industry, resulting in world-class British productions for audiences in the U.K. and overseas.

“I am excited about the prospects ahead, and delighted to be part of the new organization.”

Linsey commented: “Bringing BBC Studios and BBC Worldwide together will help secure the BBC’s future and guarantee our unrivaled creativity, risk-taking, quality and range.

“I am so proud of BBC Studios’ programs—from huge hits like Blue Planet II and Strictly Come Dancing to the extraordinary Drugsland and Murdered for Being Different on BBC Three to EastEnders, Mrs Brown’s Boys, Our Girl, Carols from Kings, Antiques Roadshow, Countryfile and Horizon. We cater to every taste and this merger means that will continue for years to come.”