BBC Worldwide and CCTV agree copro deal

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of UK pubcaster the BBC, and Chinese state broadcaster CCTV have signed an agreement for new factual programming.

A memorandum of understanding between Worldwide and CCTV factual channel CCTV-9 paves the way for at least two new major factual projects and sees the pair set up a new development hub to create factual concepts focused on China and Asia but with international appeal.

BBC Worldwide, which is expected to distribute the content emanating from the agreement, said that the deal will see it and CCTV expanding the amount of landmark factual programming they make and, for the first time, move into live producing events together.

New content will be coproduced under Worldwide’s premium factual umbrella brand BBC Earth.

“We have been collaborating with BBC Worldwide on TV programmes for many years now,” said Liu Wen, managing director of CCTV-9. “We are excited that with this MOU, we will be able to extend our partnership to reach new audiences.”

Paul Dempsey, BBC Worldwide president Global Markets said: “This MOU is a significant milestone in the history of BBC Worldwide’s business in China and in our relationship with CCTV. The projects we will be working on will enable us to bring our flagship BBC Earth content to audiences across China and help bring together UK and Chinese creative talent.”

BBC Worldwide and CCTV-9 have already announced coproduction deals for science series Generation Earth, Wonders of Life and Africa (pictured). Worldwide and CCTV9 are also coproducing Hidden Kingdoms.