The BBC.signed a telecoms deal with Ericsson has signed a seven-year contract to provide playout services for its TV channels.
The contract, awarded after a tender process, encompasses playout and media management services for the BBC’s portfolio of UK TV channels, its Red Button service and international news channel BBC World News.
These services will allow the BBC to deliver programmes through network, linear television channels.
The contract is effectively a renewal; the BBC’s previous contract, lasting ten years, was signed with Red Bee Media in 2005, which Ericsson acquired in 2014 and recently took on the Ericsson brand.
Bal Samra, Managing Director, BBC Television says: "This is a very good outcome for the BBC which meets all our objectives – guaranteeing quality, flexibility and innovation in a commercial deal which provides excellent value for money.
"By extending our partnership with Ericsson we have secured the future delivery of these broadcast-critical services and delivered significant savings for the BBC."
Thorsten Sauer, Head of Broadcast and Media Services at Ericsson, says: "We are proud that the BBC has selected Ericsson as its playout partner of choice. The BBC is one of the world’s premier broadcasters and drives innovation in the industry.
"This continued partnership is very important for our business and demonstrates both our technical innovation and the quality and expertise of our people and our operations in managing highly complex and dynamic media operations."
