BBC Worldwide has reported a rise in distribution revenue for its branded channels and in programme sales.
The commercial arm of the BBC delivered a 1% rise in headline profit to deliver £156 million in the year to March 31, 2013.
BBC Worldwide’s 34 branded international channels have continued to drive revenues, through launching new operations, widening distribution and increasing advertising sales.
“BBC Worldwide’s performance has remained very robust despite the economic challenges facing the media sector, with particular growth in programme sales and our international channels,” said Tim Davie, chief executive of BBC Worldwide. “2013/14 will be a transformational year for the company with a re-focused strategy that maximises opportunities presented by new markets and technology. This will ensure BBC Worldwide remains a world-class content company that inspires audiences around the world and helps build the reputation and the commercial success of the global BBC.”
BBC Worldwide has 406m subscriber homes to its TV channels around the world (up from 356m in 2011/12).
The BBC America channel grew its reach to 81m homes (from 77m in 2011/12).
There were 15 new launches of BBC Worldwide’s channel brands in the year, including for the first time, channels in Brazil, Burma and Cambodia.
