Annual Report 2001/02

New Media and Internet

Multimedia revenues increased by 65% with console and PC products on new and emerging platforms

BBC Multimedia, which develops BBC programming-related CD-ROMs, and products for PlayStation® and Game BoyTM, had an outstanding year.

Revenues increased by 65% as a result of console and PC (personal computer) products; new partnerships in the USA and elsewhere; and major deals to exploit our software on new and emerging platforms.
In total, we sold around 600,000 CD-ROMs and games units in the UK, and more than one million overseas.

We consolidated our position as a major player in the children’s interactive publishing market. The continuing popularity of Tweenies interactive titles saw total sales over all four titles in the Multimedia catalogue approach 500,000 units. Bob the Builder titles such as Can we fix it? were equally successful around the world.

During the year, BBC Worldwide extended its successful partnership with THQ – a leading children’s videogame publisher. This allows the new title, Bob Builds a Park, to be published for US and Canadian markets.

Reflecting our multi-platform approach, Robot Wars proved to be our most successful multimedia title to date in the UK. We sold 250,000 units across PC, PlayStation 2®, Game Boy AdvanceTM and Game Boy ColorTM formats in 2001.

In addition, we have signed a deal with Digital Bridges that will bring The Weakest Link to mobile phone users across Europe. This will start on the Orange network in the new financial year.

The coming year will see further excitement from Robot Wars, with the first title, Extreme Destruction, published for XboxTM, as well as for PC and Game Boy AdvanceTM.

The international syndication of BBC website content is proving highly successful

BBC Worldwide created a new global internet business this year to develop our interest in web-based technology. Our new division includes the internet service provider, beeb.net, recently rated the number one performing ISP by the UK’s Internet magazine.

During this financial year, we also took the decision to reintegrate our magazine-related website, beeb.com, into our Magazines business, and new websites were developed for our popular consumer titles Top Gear and Radio Times.

We are having great success packaging website content produced by the BBC and syndicating it to international broadcast partners. Designed to accompany television programmes, this content helps broadcasters to build brand loyalty in their territories.

Three examples of syndicated interactive properties that we have sold around the world so far are Walking with Beasts, The Blue Planet and Tweenies. These support our core TV programme sales and extend the reach of BBC brands.

Throughout the financial year, we have developed new commercial content for emerging digital platforms.

A major success in 2001 was a project for UKTV who commissioned us to create an innovative interactive broadband programme, website and live outside broadcast for UK Horizons’ Haunted Weekend.

Called Ghostwatch 2001, the broadcast attracted significant viewing figures in this emerging medium, gaining market share from strong traditional television competition. This unique event was shortlisted for the prestigious Montreux E-Rose award, which recognises the importance of interactive platforms to the broadcast industry.