BBC Worldwide

Bbcw_logo_square

BBC_Worldwide_profit_and_sales_1995-2012

BBC_Worldwide_profit_rate_1995-2012

BBC_Television_Centre,_Wood_Lane,_London_W12_-_geograph.org.uk_-_686894

BBC_Worldwide_-_Wood_Lane,_W12_-_geograph.org.uk_-_676813

BBC Worldwide was the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It was responsible for the global commercial exploitation of BBC programming and other properties, including television, radio, and digital content. BBC Worldwide was headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

History[edit | edit source]

BBC Worldwide was established in 1995, succeeding BBC Enterprises, which had been in operation since 1979. The creation of BBC Worldwide was part of a broader strategy to increase the commercial revenue of the BBC, allowing it to reinvest in public service broadcasting.

Operations[edit | edit source]

BBC Worldwide operated in several key areas:

Television[edit | edit source]

BBC Worldwide distributed BBC television programs to international markets. It managed the global rights to popular series such as Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Top Gear. The company also operated international channels, including BBC America, BBC Canada, and BBC Entertainment.

Publishing[edit | edit source]

The company was involved in the publication of books, magazines, and other media related to BBC content. This included the publication of the Radio Times and various program-related books.

Digital Media[edit | edit source]

BBC Worldwide expanded into digital media, offering content through platforms such as BBC iPlayer and various video-on-demand services. It also managed the BBC's presence on social media and other digital platforms.

Consumer Products[edit | edit source]

The company produced and distributed DVDs, Blu-rays, and merchandise related to BBC programs. This included products for popular series like Planet Earth and The Great British Bake Off.

Reorganization[edit | edit source]

In 2018, BBC Worldwide was merged with the BBC's production arm, BBC Studios, to form a single commercial entity. This reorganization aimed to streamline operations and better compete in the global media market.