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TBI’s 2023 Predictions: Tom Fussell, CEO, BBC Studios
By
Tom Fussell
As the new year gets underway, TBI talks to some of the biggest names in the global TV industry to get their thoughts on the major trends and best shows coming up in the next 12 months.
Here, Tom Fussell, CEO of UK-based BBC Studios, talks producing for external services, creating a workplace to be proud about and the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
Good Omens
What is the biggest growth area for your company this year?
For us it’s about creative excellence: making shows that audiences love. We run two global businesses – a production studio (making and licensing programmes) and channels and streaming and we are looking to deliver long-term growth across both.
We are growing with all customers, including the BBC, with Good Omens 2 for Amazon, Trying 4 for Apple, OCEANXPLORERES for National Geographic and The Ballad Of Renegade Nell for Disney+ all due to air in 2023. Making and licensing programmes for external broadcasters and streamers now makes up 75% of our production studio revenue.
What is the key trend going to be this year?
A flight to quality and excellence, where broadcasters and streamers choose to work with partners and talent they trust to deliver in challenging economic times.
Trying
What is your New Year’s resolution and why?
I’m passionate about creating an inclusive company culture and enabling people to be their authentic selves at work. We’ve made great progress in the last few years – 90% of our colleagues say they are proud to work for BBC Studios and 82% would recommend us as a place to work. However, there is always more we can do, and it’s vital, if we are to do our best work.
What will be the biggest headline in 2023 and why?
The last few years have taught me the impossibility of predicting the future. But the BBC’s impartial journalism will be as relevant and necessary as ever in 2023, when covering the global news headlines.
What show (from outside of your own company) are you most looking forward to?
The BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup in the summer – live sport being one of the few genres we don’t make in BBC Studios. We’ve just had the most exciting World Cup since Italia 1990 and I’m looking forward to the England women’s team building on their incredible European Championships win in 2022.
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