BBC Vision invests £30m in multiplatform

BBC Vision has earmarked £30m on top of existing funding to boost multiplatform experiences that accompany linear television programmes.

The funding was announced by Simon Nelson, the BBC's controller of portfolio and multimedia, as part of a package of reforms to the way in which BBC Vision commissions multiplatform content.

As part of the reforms, every TV programme will have its own website with three levels of support depending on the type of series: "basic", where a set of pages will be created automatically; "enhanced", for 50 or more programmes per year; and "360", providing rich content for over 15 programmes per year.

The commissioning process will be streamlined, with the standard e-commissioning system being used for multiplatform initiatives.

"It's too easy to dismiss the multiplatform opportunity as simply getting our programmes onto new devices or creating websites alongside programmes," said Nelson. "The lack of a commercial imperative and the privilege of licence fee funding oblige [the BBC] to drive innovation and break new ground in attempting to serve all audiences in the UK."

BBC Vision director Jana Bennett added: "BBC Vision was created in part to place the BBC at the heart of the multimedia landscape. We have a real advantage that's born out of our scale and the range of our talent and skills here. I believe that together we can define this new creative space in terms of public service content and populate it with ideas that are distinctive and innovative."