The British Broadcasting Corporation has announced that it will launch a new, wholly-owned commercial subsidiary, BBC Broadcast Ltd. It will begin trading on 2 April 2002.

The new company will emerge from the current Broadcasting & Presentation (B&P) operation in BBC Television, according to an official release. The aim of the new arm is to bring a broad range of channel creation and management services under a single management team. BBC Broadcast is to be headed by current director of B&P Pam Masters, who will take over as managing director of the new subsidiary.

BBC Broadcast's functions cover management, promotion and play-out of content across all platforms including TV, radio and the internet. The company’s remit will also include the creation and execution of branding, cross-media promotional campaigns, subtitling and other disability access services. It will offer a comprehensive range of play-out and channel management services that can be tailored to broadcasters’ requirements.

Key services include: new channel launches, play-out and channel management; channel branding, promotion and packaging; and access services encompassing subtitling, audio description and sign language. BBC Broadcast currently provides services for 17 public service and commercial television channels, 5 national radio networks, 39 local radio stations and BBCi.

BBC Broadcast will work closely with customers to understand their broadcasting needs and to determine the right combination of technical and creative skills required to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions. The new company also claims to fulfil the demand for a single supplier capable of taking content and converting it into a compelling channel experience for established and new broadcasters. It claims to be the only company capable of providing a seamless service - creatively, technically and editorially - to bring channels to life and manage brands across multiple media platforms.

Approval for the venture was granted by the British secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Tessa Jowell. Director Roger Flynn says: "This approval means the BBC can press ahead with trying to increase commercial revenues as part of the £1.1bn savings and efficiencies target the Government set us when the licence fee was reviewed two years ago."

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