PBS Masterpiece Joins as Co-Producer on BBC One’s Press

LONDON: The upcoming six-part drama Press will premiere in the U.S. on PBS Masterpiece, which has come on board as a co-producer through a deal signed by BBC Worldwide and Lookout Point.

The contemporary series, written by Mike Bartlett (Doctor Foster, Charles III), is set in the world of newspapers, exploring its past driven by hacking scandals, its present at the mercy of the digital age and the 24-hour news cycle, its future uncertain. Deep Indigo, Lookout Point and BBC Studios are producing partners on the project, which has been developed by BAFTA award-winning producer Nigel Stafford-Clark.

Stafford-Clark commented: “At a time when both the nature and the role of the press have themselves become part of the news, there’s never been a better moment to focus on this unique world as the basis of a major television series. And I can’t think of anyone better to take that on than Mike Bartlett.”

Faith Penhale, executive producer at Lookout Point, added, “We’re delighted to be working with Mike and Nigel on a series with so much contemporary resonance and relevance. And given the importance of this drama, it’s exciting to know that this tie-up with PBS Masterpiece will offer significant exposure to audiences in North America on a network with an unparalleled track record in taking great British scripted content across the Atlantic.”