BBC Worldwide has appointed Jana Bennett as President, Worldwide Networks and Global iPlayer, giving the head of BBC Vision responsibility for BBC Worldwide’s wholly owned BBC-branded channels and for BBC Worldwide’s 50% shareholding in UKTV.
As first reported by Broadband TV News on Tuesday, the BBC plans to initially launch the international version of its catch-up TV service as an App for the Apple iPad, also including archive content.
BBC Worldwide’s wholly owned channels include BBC Entertainment, BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies and BBC HD and are available in over 100 markets. UKTV, where Bennett has been a board director since 2002, has 10 UK channels, including Dave, Watch and Yesterday.
“We have launched 26 channels over the last four years, and have high ambitions for them. They are a primary focus of investment and a key means of showcasing quality British content to consumers around the world,” said John Smith, CEO, BBC Worldwide. “Jana will drive them to the next level on every front – reach, ratings, revenue and editorial excellence. In digital services, Jana’s contribution to the launch and ongoing success of the UK iPlayer, and her oversight of the launch of the BBC’s red button service, along with her programming expertise, qualify her perfectly to lead the Global iPlayer.”
Bennet spent eight years as director of BBC Television and then director of BBC Vision. Her time included the launch of BBC HD, BBC One HD and was heavily involved in the launch of the iPlayer to the UK domestic market.
