SCREEN AFRICA EXCLUSIVE: BBC Worldwide has started the recruitment process to
find a new Joburg-based Territory Head to drive local content in South Africa and the
rest of the continent.
Ian McDonough, executive vice president of Central, Eastern, Middle East and Africa
(CEMA) for BBC Worldwide is closely involved in finding the right person to drive BBC
Worldwide’s existing business in South Africa and on the rest of the continent.
BBC Worldwide, comprising BBC Entertainment (Top Gear, Sherlock, Downton Abbey),
BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies, has enjoyed tremendous success in
CEMA. “We are ready to get to the next stage of development and I am recruiting for
someone with regional and local expertise to grow our local content.
“We have been very successful in our programming in South Africa, such as the local
series Come Dine with Me, which has proved to be very popular and is in its third
season. Now we want to focus more on generating local content and need someone to
aid us on our fantastic journey,’ says McDonough.
He continues: “We have a lot of confidence in the South African and African markets
and have great stories to tell. It will be the Head of Territory’s responsibility to build
on the famous BBC content, maintain our unique values and principles, grow the sales
division and make headway in the digital space in South Africa and Africa.
“I think the continent is experiencing a big leap in terms of mobile access to content
and we want to be part of that leapfrogging business model in Africa. Our aim is to
further our investments in productions and to specialise in digital areas too.’
McDonough says BBC Worldwide is specifically looking for someone with experience in
media and who is passionate about the BBC’s content, a business-savvy individual
with commercial and digital knowledge, good interpersonal skills and who is good at
relationship-building, and someone who understands the BBC’s core principles.
“This person will fulfil a hugely important role within the BBC’s framework and his or
her knowledge about the South African and African marketplace will have to be
extensive. We need someone with knowledge about our growth trajectory and a love
and respect for our content, which is world-class.’
McDonough emphasises that in the past year, BBC Worldwide’s reach in South Africa
has doubled. “The BBC has a fantastic story in terms of growth. Appointing someone
who is invested in content and production value in South Africa and the rest of the
continent is our biggest priority. We have a heritage in South Africa, we have a long
future here and South Africa deserves every bit of our focus,’ he concludes.
Report by Martie Bester
