How Streamer BritBox Shapes U.K. TV Strategy Through Success With American Audiences

·34 min·3 clips

BritBox CEO Robert Schildhaus reveals how a British TV streamer cornered the Anglophile market in America.

The episode features an interview with Robert Schildhaus, recently promoted to BBC Studios direct-to-consumer CEO, focusing on BritBox's business strategy. Schildhaus begins by recounting his career shift from finance to media, inspired by YouTube's launch and early involvement with Hulu. He describes joining BritBox after a call about the joint venture between BBC and ITV, sparked by his mother's enthusiasm for the service. The conversation explores how BritBox makes British television accessible in the US, moving beyond niche Anglophile audiences. Schildhaus explains the platform's content strategy, which includes a vast library of 8,000 hours and original programming like mystery series and period dramas. He highlights specific shows such as Agatha Christie adaptations and 'The Other Bennett Sister', a Pride and Prejudice spinoff. Schildhaus discusses BritBox's role as both a platform and producer, citing the co-commission of 'Lindley', which became a hit on the BBC. He covers the integration of BBC Select into BritBox's infrastructure and the launch of BritBox Premier, a premium tier with early access and 4K that has exceeded growth targets. The episode touches on BritBox's podcast initiative and efforts to build community among fans. Schildhaus reflects on talent relationships, emphasizing BritBox's focus on British content as a competitive advantage. He addresses balancing audience retention with acquisition, noting that most subscribers are on annual plans. Looking ahead, Schildhaus predicts growth for targeted streaming services and reaffirms BritBox's identity as an ambassador for British culture in North America.

As heard by us

BritBox lays out how its U.S. audience can shape British television commissioning.

BritBox emerges here as more than a home for familiar British imports. Robert Schildhaus frames the service as a platform trying to broaden its reach beyond anglophiles and expats, while taking a firmer hand in development, commissioning, and co-production.

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Why you'd press play

You want the inside track on how BritBox grew from a niche Anglophile streamer into a more active player in British TV commissioning.

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