BBC to offer channel management to clients

In the UK, the BBC has been given the go-ahead by the DCMS to launch a commercially operated channel creation and management services venture, entitled BBC Broadcast Ltd.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell has given the BBC approval to set up the company, which will begin trading on 2 April, 2002.

The company will emerge from the BBC's current Broadcasting & Presentation operation and will specialise in channel management, promotion and play-out of content across all platforms including TV, radio and the internet.

The new company's remit will also include the creation and execution of branding, cross-media promotional campaigns, subtitling and other disability services.

The service itself will operate under a single-management team, headed up by current director of broadcasting and presentation, Pam Masters.

Masters said: {BBC Broadcast’s people and reputation for creativity and innovation across all media platforms are our core assets. Incorporation as a wholly-owned subsidiary allows us to continue improving our service to existing customers while extending our ability to develop commercial business.{

BBC Broadcast will join BBC Resources and BBC Technology, as BBC departments that can be employed by non-BBC clients. The three divisions will be housed in a new Commercial Division directed by Roger Flynn.