End of the road for BBC Studios in India?

Sources say BBC Studios, which backed Criminal Justice and The Broken News, to fold operations in the country; no new project greenlit

Last month, there was chatter in the industry that BBC Studios, the production arm of the British broadcaster, was reviewing its operations in India. Now, mid-day has learnt that the studio has decided to make an exit from the country. This comes despite its strong portfolio that includes Criminal Justice India, The Broken News, and School of Lies (2023). 

Insiders suggest that the decision is part of a restructuring strategy by the company’s global leadership, which is reassessing its investments in international markets. Sources say that with rising production costs, competition from local studios, and an evolving OTT market, BBC Studios was finding it tough to maintain a sustainable business model despite its success in adapting international shows and formats for the Indian audience. A senior executive, who requested anonymity, confirmed the development, stating, “The OTT landscape in India is shifting rapidly, and global studios are finding it challenging to sustain operations amid changing economic and regulatory conditions. The decision will impact BBC India’s workforce of about 100.”

In its eight-year run, the studio collaborated with platforms Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV and many more. It not only adapted several successful British shows to tell Indian stories such as Out of Love and The Office, but also created original IPs.  An insider says, “The fourth season of Criminal Justice and a few other projects are in the works. Some ongoing projects may be transferred to local production houses. No new work is being taken up. India remains an important market, and the company will explore alternative ways to bring their  content to the Indian audience.”

BBC Studios responded a day later, saying, "As a company, BBC Studios will not be exiting India. We have a successful Content Sales and Channels and Streaming business, led by Stanley Fernandes in Mumbai. Our clients include: Discovery, Discovery Plus,  Amazon Prime Video/ Channels, Lionsgate Play, Sony Liv. Our channels are: BBC News, CBeebies and joint venture channel Sony BBC Earth, as well as SVOD platform BBC Player on Amazon Prime. The number of roles affected are less than 100 – there are 4 staff members and 30 FTC."

Meanwhile, it has been announced after the story appeared that BBC Studios will cease its local production operations in India and has entered into an exclusive multi-year partnership with Banijay Asia to adapt its formats for the Indian market.
Under this deal, Banijay Asia gains exclusive rights to BBC Studios’ catalog of scripted and unscripted formats in India. The agreement will come into effect once BBC Studios fulfills its ongoing production commitments in the region

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