Harnessing technology

CMS has advised long-standing client the BBC on its strategic partnership with ITV to launch BritBox, a new streaming service for UK audiences that offers access to the best of British TV.

The landmark deal between the two public service broadcasters also included an extensive programme licence agreement from the BBC’s commercial arm, BBC Studios.

BritBox is already operating successfully in North America, with more than a million subscribers. The UK service launched towards the end of last year, offering audiences an unrivalled collection of British boxsets and original series on demand, all in one place. BritBox provides the biggest collection of British content available on any streaming service, as well as brand new commissions by British production companies specifically created for BritBox.

CMS London-based partners Selina Potter and Simon Morgan advised the BBC Group on the partnership. The CMS team also included Kate Blumhof and Rebecca Platt.

Selina Potter commented, “We are thrilled to have supported our long-standing client on this exciting partnership with ITV. It has been fascinating working with the BBC as they continue to reshape their public service and commercial offerings to UK audiences in order to move with an evolving market.”

CMS drew on its deep media expertise and knowledge of the BBC’s unique position in the market to structure the corporate venture and its governance, as well as the complex licensing arrangements.

This all had to be done in a way that would help to carve a successful path for BritBox against the landscape of BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub.