BBC scraps multiplatform commissioners
26 May, 2011 | By Catherine NeilanThe BBC is scrapping the role of multiplatform commissioners and cutting ten more jobs from BBC Vision as part of its restructure of BBC online.
Instead of distinct heads for multiplatform content, all commissions will go through the relevant channel and genre heads.
The restructure splits BBC online into 10 distinct products including dividing what was previously conceived of as Vision Multiplatform into TV & iPlayer, headed by Victoria Jaye, and Knowledge & Learning, headed by Saul Nasse.
It was first announced in January, and will also see new roles created as it nears completion.
Cerys Griffiths has been hired in the new role of executive producer for development within Knowledge & Learning, a position she takes up in June, and the team is looking to appoint an indie executive focused on dealing with those companies who specialise in tech and design.
The move forms part of a Trust-approved reduction in business, which sees £43m taken out of the budget and a total headcount reduction of 360. BBC Vision roles had originally been expected to comprise 85 to 90 of these jobs, but will now account for 90 to 100.
More details have also been revealed about the selection criteria for the 12 annual projects that will see additional investment for online content.
Doctor Who and EastEnders are two programmes already confirmed as receiving the financial boost, with Jaye describing them as “very precious brands”.
She added: “We will be investing in a dozen ambitious pieces that enhance the audience’s experience. That will be very joined up with the channel controller, who has full expression over the programmes – so there is no division between online and on air.”
The criteria for which programmes are selected differ according to the channel, Jaye explained. While BBC3 may look for items that “raise the creative benchmark”, or are new experimental programmes, BBC1 is more likely to focus on further developing established brands.
Keating said: “A lot of hard work has been put into shaping this into a clear statement of how much money there is, and where it can be spent. Within those spikes of investment will be classic tactical and strategic mixes.”