Old shows

Where to find old BBC tv programmes ?  First and foremost, on BBC networks, as repeats. Which there will be more of, in the year ahead. Then as clips, in BBC shows based on archives, which there will be more of, in the year ahead. 

Then on iPlayer, as the BBC boosts its catalogue with old box sets and more.Then on UKTV, now back wholly-owned by BBC Studios (nee Worldwide). Then on Britbox, the subscription video-on-demand service, operated jointly with ITV. In the UK, the BBC has a ten per cent stake; in the USA, and around the world, it's 50/50. 

Then, of course, many blockbusters are jointly produced with the big bucks of Netflix, Amazon and HBO, so the repeat rights are different. In others, PBS has co-production money. And some shows are funded jointly with BBC America, the Star Trek Channel, which occasionally shows BBC product. BBC America is a joint-venture with AMC Networks, with the BBC claiming a 50.1% controlling stake. AMC networks also is the major shareholder in Acorn TV, a subscription VOD service with a back catalogue of BBC and ITV programmes, vying for market share with Britbox. And now available in the UK, for £4.99 a month.

Whoever takes the helm at BBC Studios needs to sort some of this out. Tim Davie hasn't.