What's Happening?
BBC Studios has announced the promotion of Robert Schildhouse to CEO of its direct-to-consumer business, which includes BritBox North America and BBC Select. Schildhouse, who previously served as president of BritBox, has overseen significant growth in the service, including the launch of BritBox Premiere in North America. Under his leadership, BBC Select has become the third-largest documentary streamer in the U.S., with subscriptions increasing by over 50% year-over-year. BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell praised Schildhouse's leadership and the strategic importance of the North American market for the company's future growth.
Why It's Important?
This leadership change underscores BBC Studios' commitment to expanding its direct-to-consumer offerings in North America,
a key market for the company. By promoting Schildhouse, BBC Studios aims to leverage his experience in driving subscriber growth and enhancing the appeal of its streaming services. The success of BritBox and BBC Select highlights the growing demand for British content and quality factual programming in the U.S. market. This move is likely to strengthen BBC Studios' competitive position in the streaming industry, which is increasingly dominated by major players like Netflix and Amazon.
What's Next?
As CEO, Schildhouse will focus on further expanding the reach and subscriber base of BritBox and BBC Select. This may involve strategic partnerships, content acquisitions, and marketing initiatives to attract new audiences. BBC Studios will likely continue to invest in original programming and exclusive content to differentiate its services from competitors. The company's ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements will be crucial in maintaining its growth trajectory in the competitive streaming landscape.
