BBC Studios Productions CEO Highlights Success of Digital Content

At an industry event in London, Zai Bennett, CEO and chief creative officer of BBC Studios Productions, addressed the evolving landscape of the television industry. He acknowledged the challenges facing content creators, emphasizing that the middle ground is being increasingly squeezed across various genres. Nonetheless, Bennett expressed confidence in his company’s ability to maintain its scale, quality, and ongoing success.

Bennett highlighted the collaborative efforts of BBC Studios Productions, stating, “Essentially, we are champions of creativity, producing the best creativity and exporting it.” He noted that while the studio is the largest supplier for the BBC, approximately half of their content is produced for external partners. This dual approach allows the company to showcase its versatility in television and audio production across numerous genres.

One of the standout successes mentioned was Dancing With the Stars, which has gained traction in the United States by incorporating TikTok influencers and creating engaging content for platforms like YouTube. Bennett remarked, “Now, for Disney, this is an incredibly important show,” indicating his team’s ambition to replicate this successful model in other productions.

Focus on Intellectual Property and Global Reach

During the “Future Visions” keynote at Content London, Bennett, who is a year into his role, discussed the significance of intellectual property (IP) in shaping the creative vision for BBC Studios. He is committed to positioning the studio as a global powerhouse, spanning scripted and unscripted content, children and family programming, and audio productions.

Bennett praised the international appeal of Ghosts, which has been successfully remade for CBS in the United States, as well as in Australia and other markets. He also expressed interest in collaborating with digital creators, aiming to engage with members of the creator economy where it aligns with their objectives.

Another prominent franchise, Doctor Who, has faced scrutiny following Disney+’s exit from its partnership with the BBC regarding the show. This partnership had previously made Disney+ the global home of the sci-fi series outside of the U.K. and Ireland. Despite the shift, the BBC remains dedicated to the series, with plans for a Christmas special in 2026.

Lindsay Salt, director of drama at the BBC, stated, “We’d like to thank Disney+ for being terrific global partners and collaborators over the past two seasons,” while reaffirming the BBC’s commitment to Doctor Who. She added that Russell T. Davies is set to write another captivating Christmas special, ensuring fans that “the Doctor is not going anywhere.”

Overall, Bennett’s insights underscore the resilience and adaptability of BBC Studios Productions as it navigates a complex media landscape. The focus on creativity, collaboration, and the strategic use of IP positions the company for sustained growth in an increasingly competitive environment.