BBC Worldwide Preps New Channel Brand

LONDON: Outlining her vision for BBC Worldwide’s global channels business, Jana Bennett has announced plans to expand the BBC Earth branded block into a full channel, while also confirming the launch of a localized feed of BBC HD in Latin America within the year.

Bennett made her first major speech as BBC Worldwide’s president of worldwide networks and global iPlayer at the Banff World Media Festival. Among the initiatives outlined was the expanded development of original Lonely Planet programming for broadcast on BBC Worldwide’s international channels. These branded blocks will be broadcast on BBC Knowledge, available in 14 countries around the world. The BBC Earth branded block, meanwhile, is being extended into a full channel.

Bennett also announced London Calling, a month-long programming event on the BBC Worldwide channels, scheduled in the run-up to next year’s Olympic Games. Content on BBC Knowledge and BBC Entertainment, among other BBC-branded networks, will highlight London as a capital of creativity, showcasing people, music, fashion, art, culture and history. “In the 1960’s, Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and David Bailey put London at the heart of the Swinging Sixties; fifteen years ago there was Cool Britannia, and we predict that in 2012 the spotlight will focus firmly on London again," Bennett said. "The BBC will be there, telling the story of a world-class city to a global audience.”

Also outlined were plans for more global viewing events, kicking off with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, and a greater commitment to original programming from both U.K. and international producers. T

On the global rollout plans for the iPlayer, Bennett noted that the expansion would begin in Western Europe, initially as an iPad app. "We want the global BBC iPlayer to imaginatively engage an on-demand audience with the best classic and contemporary British shows."

She continued, "The freedom from catch-up means that we’ve got a lot more flexibility in terms of what we put on there and how we present it. In overseas markets where the whole gamut of the BBC’s linear broadcast isn’t available then applying the on-demand model we have in the U.K. doesn’t make sense."