BBC Studios has recently made a significant move by launching a streamer for children’s TV in Korea for the first time. The BBC Kids platform will offer a variety of popular shows such as Hey Duggee, Andy’s Global Adventures, and Go Jetters. This new service will be available as a monthly subscription on Genie TV Kids Land, which is a Korean IPTV service specifically designed for young children. In collaboration with KT, BBC Studios plans to feature a mix of content in English language as well as popular titles dubbed into Korean for the first time. This initiative demonstrates BBC Studios’ commitment to expanding its commercial reach beyond the UK.
The BBC’s focus on educational and enriching content through platforms like BBC Kids aligns with its long-standing mission of educating, informing, and entertaining audiences worldwide. According to Phil Hardman, SVP and General Manager of BBC Studios Asia, the launch of BBC Kids is part of the company’s dedication to fostering early childhood development. This strategic move not only enhances BBC Studios’ presence in Korea but also reinforces its position in the global children’s entertainment market.
Viaplay Group’s Partnership with Talpa Network
In a parallel development, Viaplay Group has entered into a linear partnership with John de Mol’s Talpa Network in the Netherlands, marking a significant collaboration between two prominent players in the industry. As part of this partnership, Talpa Network’s SBS9 linear TV channel will be rebranded as Viaplay TV starting April 5. The channel will showcase selected content from Viaplay’s portfolio of premium sports, with the first live broadcast being the second free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix featuring Dutch driver Max Verstappen.
This strategic alliance with Talpa Network allows Viaplay to expand its presence in the Dutch market and leverage Talpa Network’s established reach. Peter Nørrelund, Viaplay Group EVP and Chief Sports & Business Development Officer, emphasized the significance of showcasing Viaplay’s premium sports portfolio to a broader audience in the Netherlands. The rebranding of SBS9 as Viaplay TV reflects Viaplay’s commitment to offering a diverse range of sports content and entertainment options to viewers.
Viaplay Group’s Focus on Core Markets
The recent developments at Viaplay Group, including the sale of its UK business back to Premier Sports and the partnership with Talpa Network, are indicative of the company’s strategic shift towards focusing on core markets. Following a challenging period in 2023, during which Viaplay Group faced significant layoffs, the company is now streamlining its operations and prioritizing key markets for future growth. Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, CEO of Viaplay Group, has underscored the importance of restructuring the business and concentrating on key markets to drive profitability.
Despite the losses experienced in 2023, Viaplay Group remains optimistic about its future prospects and is committed to implementing a new strategy to enhance its competitive position. The complexity of exiting non-core international markets has posed challenges for Viaplay Group, but the company is actively pursuing commercial opportunities and aiming to deliver sustainable growth in the coming years. With a renewed focus on core markets and a strong portfolio of premium sports content, Viaplay Group is poised to expand its global reach and solidify its position as a leading player in the industry.