BBC explores Children’s options

BBC Children’s production division could become part of the new commercial arm being planned by director general Tony Hall that will allow the UK pubcaster to “compete and compare” when producing shows.

Hall outlined plans to tear up its production quotas and start making series for rival broadcasters in July,  proposing an open market for programme making at the pubcaster.

It had been thought that the production side of BBC Children’s would not be affected by the plans but it could now be included in the commercial arm, according to The Guardian newspaper, which said the department is being evaluated.

The BBC appointed Anna Mallet, CEO of BBC Studios and post production, in September to explore proposals about how the new commercial entity, labelled NewCo by BBC insiders, could operate.

The pubcaster is also exploring the possibility of forming NewCo as a joint venture with BBC Worldwide, the broadcaster’s commercial arm.