BBCS secures topical arts deal

BBC Studios (BBCS) has secured the contract to deliver the BBC’s topical arts programming, including shows such as Front Row Late, Edinburgh Nights and a range of events coverage until autumn 2020.

The UK pubcaster’s commercial and production arm will produce three runs of Front Row Late (6×30’) for transmission this September and January and May next year.

BBCS will also provide coverage from the Edinburgh Festival on an annual basis, with two runs of 3×30’ programmes for transmission in August this year and next.

Coverage of other topical arts events will also be included in the deal, which totals 15 hours of programming, all of which will be for BBC2.

BBCS produces shows for both its UK parent broadcaster the BBC and third parties, and must tender for contracts from the former as part of its Compete Or Compare strategy launched in 2014.