Broadcaster prepping more commissioning opportunities for Google-owned platform, confirmed Phillips

Newly-installed BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips has committed to commissioning content for YouTube.

In a relaxed first public appearance since assuming the top editorial job, Phillips referenced making programming for the Google-owned platform as one of her priorities, in the vein of BBC and North East Screen’s recently announced investment in regional indies to develop and produce formats for both BBC platforms and third parties (including YouTube).

“The world is changing fast and I’m going to make sure we’re evolving with it,” she told delegates during the Spotlight on the BBC session at the Edinburgh TV Festival yesterday (21 August).

“I do want to look at certain areas…what we are going to do on YouTube is really important to me.”

Her announcement came weeks after Ofcom’s revelation that YouTube has overtaken ITV to become the second most-watched service in UK homes, behind only the BBC and urged the PSBs to create more YouTube-friendly content.

This article first appeared on our sister site, Broadcast.