Fewer doors, bigger rooms
More outlets, fewer gatekeepers. The BBC and Channel 4 are talking about sharing the machinery behind their brands, Channel 4 has a new programme chief, and Paramount and WBD are now one company. Here’s what each means for your next pitch.
Market Watch | 5–11 October 2026
TL;DR: UK broadcasters are starting to share the machinery behind their brands. Channel 4 has a new programme chief who has sat on both sides of the table. Paramount and WBD are now one company with a savings target. For developers, the number of outlets may hold steady while the number of decision-makers shrinks. Pitches need to show where a format lives after transmission night, and producers need to guard their secondary rights.
1. BBC and Channel 4 talk about sharing a commercial operation
Reuters reports early talks with government about putting Channel 4's ad sales, E4, Film4 and its streamer alongside BBC Studios-owned UKTV in a jointly owned venture, with Channel 4 itself staying separate. There's no deal yet, and it may not move until 2027.
We've been here before. In 2009 the plan was a 50/50 venture called 4 Worldwide, combining E4, More4 and Film4 with parts of BBC Worldwide, possibly the UKTV channels. It didn't happen.
What it means for development: if it goes ahead this time, the brands stay different but the data, ad sales and distribution behind them become one system. A format could reach more channels through fewer gatekeepers. That makes your rights position matter more than ever.
What I'd do now: put a line in every pitch on audience, platform and windowing. And if a commission could travel across a shared group of channels, make sure your contract says who benefits when it does.
2. Channel 4 hands commissioning to someone who knows both sides
David Brindley joins as Director of Programmes with full commissioning and editorial responsibility across scripted and unscripted. He comes from running Twofour, but he isn't just a producer. He was a commissioning editor in Channel 4's factual team, and later the BBC's Head of Commissioning for Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment.
What it means for development: after deep cuts to Channel 4's commissioning staff, a lot of power now sits with one person who understands both the broadcaster and the cost of making the shows. Expect an editorial reset after January.
What I'd do now: don't reverse-engineer a brief from his credits. Wait for his first signals, and use the gap to sharpen what you already have.
3. iPlayer is becoming a destination, not a catch-up service
At an all-staff meeting the BBC described a redesigned iPlayer with personal recommendations, BBC YouTube material and possibly other providers' content. It also wants to stay visible on YouTube, Netflix and Prime Video. BBC Three and BBC Scotland leaving linear TV is still reported but not confirmed.
What it means for development: a BBC pitch now needs a plan for discovery and on-demand viewing, not just a slot. The question nobody has answered is whether the money saved on linear channels goes into commissioning or simply disappears.
What I'd do now: add a short "life after transmission" section to BBC pitches. How is it found? Why would someone binge it?
4. Paramount and WBD are now one company
The deal has completed. The group owns Paramount+, HBO Max, Discovery+, Pluto TV and a large set of broadcast and cable brands, and it is targeting at least $6bn in savings within three years. It says it will keep buying from independents.
What it means for development: both of those things can be true, but the savings target will shape what gets bought. Ideas that can run as franchises, travel internationally and work across several services will win.
What I'd do now: treat every existing relationship there as provisional until UK teams and remits are confirmed.
One to watch
The BBC and Channel 4 venture. If it moves, the only question that matters to developers is whether it frees up more money for British shows or mainly cuts running costs. One grows the market. The other shrinks it.
Jonathan Glazier Format creator and executive producer, altmedia TV format consultant and former BBC Head of Light Entertainment and International Formats
I am dyslexic. AI helps me make this readable. The thoughts and opinions are my own. There are no auto generated articles and I read and research with rigour.
