BBC Worldwide chief executive Tim Davie has expressed concern that there are generally too many platforms in the marketplace.
Davie was speaking as part of a wide ranging IBC interview that also cover the launch of new channel brands and the launch of the BBC Store.
“In terms of a wholly owned transactional business for operations that weren’t in that area? Discuss. We’ve got transactional businesses in some parts of the world, but it’s not a mad rush,” said Davie. “Most people are going to fail in this area. I don’t need as many systems that are going to be launched, even in the UK.”
Following the decision not to proceed with the Global iPlayer, the BBC is planning the BBC Store, which will allow viewers both within the UK and internationally to purchase their favourite shows.
Davie would not be precise as to the actual launch date, but confirmed it would not be before the end of the year. “I’ve got healthy paranoia about the need to be out there. If you look at the pressure that BBC Worldwide is under its DVD sales going down, though we’re more than making it up through Amazon and Netflix.”
Davie said he was not hung up on whether channels or programme brands would dominate in the future – Worldwide is in the process of launching a slate of new thematic brands including BBC Brit, BBC Culture and BBC Auto. The new BBC Earth will be free on the BBC website in the UK and commercialised internationally through BBC.com.
As a near traditional channel BBC First, featuring first run drama, has become the second highest performing launch since 2006.
“It’s early days, I’m not hanging any flags out but it’s looking good,” said Davie.
