The executive will lead BBC Studios’ global sales business, overseeing commercial strategy, content investment priorities and route-to-market planning across all genres and territories

BBC Studios has announced the appointment of Sally Habbershaw as President of Global Distribution, a newly expanded London-based role responsible for leading the company’s worldwide content sales business and driving the commercial performance, strategic direction and global exploitation of BBC Studios’ content portfolio.

Habbershaw will report to Zai Bennett, BBC Studios Global Content CEO and Chief Creative Officer.

With more than two decades of experience across content distribution, commercial strategy, platform management, acquisitions and production, Habbershaw joins BBC Studios from Mediawan, continuing a distinguished career that has spanned leadership roles at All3Media International, A&E Networks, AMC Networks, Viacom and Paramount-owned businesses. She also serves as a BAFTA Board member and Deputy Chair of BAFTA North America.

As President of Global Distribution, Habbershaw will lead BBC Studios’ global sales business, overseeing commercial strategy, content investment priorities and route-to-market planning across all genres and territories.

Working closely with the company’s Scripted, Unscripted, Global Productions, Kids & Family and Audio leadership teams, she will maximise the value of BBC Studios’ content investments, deepen relationships with broadcasters and streaming platforms, and drive new growth opportunities for the UK’s most awarded production company.

At Mediawan, she was Chief Distribution Officer. Prior to that, she spent almost a decade at All3Media International as EVP Americas, a role created to capitalise on the rapid expansion of All3Media’s portfolio of more than 45 production companies. At AMC Networks, she led acquisitions and programming strategies that included internationally recognised series such as Mad Men and Breaking Bad, helping establish them as defining properties for audiences around the world.

Zai Bennett, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, BBC Studios Global Content, says: “Sally is one of the most accomplished and respected executives in the business and her experience across content investment, distribution, platforms and production makes her uniquely positioned to lead our global content distribution operation. She brings a rare combination of commercial leadership, creative instincts and deep global market expertise, alongside an exceptional track record of building partnerships and delivering growth across some of the industry’s most successful content businesses. I look forward to working with her as we continue to maximise the value and reach of our outstanding content portfolio.”

Sally Habbershaw added: “I’m thrilled to be joining BBC Studios. After twenty years in the US and, more recently, in France, coming home to do this work here matters to me. The content and the brand speak for themselves. What made the opportunity irresistible is the moment and the people. Zai has built a leadership team that is ambitious, thinks differently and is set on making a real impact. I’ve spent my career on the other side of the table from the BBC, so I arrive with a clear view of its strengths and of the work ahead. I can’t wait to get started.”

Habbershaw joins BBC Studios on September 29th.

La entrada BBC Studios appoints Sally Habbershaw as President of Global Distribution se publicó primero en TTV News.

Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips, BBC Studios CEO and Chief Creative Officer Global Content Zai Bennett and BBC Studios CEO Brands & Licensing Shelley Macintyre will unpack the strategy behind some of the world’s most enduring entertainment franchises.

Mipcom (12–15 October 2026), the world’s largest and most influential market and gateway to the international media and entertainment content business, today announced an exclusive headline conversation featuring three of the BBC and BBC Studios’ most influential creative leaders. The session, From Idea to Global IP: Building Brands That Last will bring together BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips, BBC Studios CEO and Chief Creative Officer Global Content Zai Bennett, and BBC Studios CEO Brands & Licensing Shelley Macintyre for a deep dive into how exceptional storytelling evolves into globally recognized entertainment brands.

In an increasingly competitive global content market, the ability to build intellectual property that travels across platforms, territories and generations has become one of the industry’s defining challenges, and greatest commercial opportunities.

Through the lens of globally recognised franchises including Bluey, Doctor Who, Dancing with the Stars, and BBC Earth, the conversation will examine the complete lifecycle of hit IP, from original development and international expansion to licensing, brand extensions and cultivating passionate fan communities. The session will also explore how broadcasters, producers and distributors can identify emerging opportunities and empower the storytellers shaping the future of entertainment.

The session will take place on Tuesday 13 October from 12:00-12:30 in the Grand Auditorium.

Lucy Smith, Director of Mipcom Cannes and MipJunior, said: “The ability to create enduring global brands has become one of the defining challenges and opportunities for every part of our industry. Few organisations have achieved this more consistently than the BBC, whose portfolio spans some of the world’s most recognised and beloved entertainment franchises. Bringing together Kate, Zai and Shelley offers Mipcom audiences a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leaders shaping how world-class IP is created, expanded and sustained.”

The session forms part of Mipcom Cannes’ expanded conference programme, which convenes the industry’s leading executives, creators and innovators to explore the trends, partnerships and ideas shaping the future of global entertainment.

La entrada BBC and BBC Studios Analyze Their Major IP Strategy at Mipcom Cannes se publicó primero en TTV News.

The executive will lead the strategy and execution of the Bluey licensing program across the region, as part of the expansion of BBC Studios’ Consumer Products and Commercial Partnerships business.

BBC Studios has strengthened its commercial structure in Latin America with the appointment of Monica Joseph as the company’s new Licensing Director for the region.

Joseph confirmed her appointment in a LinkedIn post, in which she said she was taking on the challenge of developing new partnerships and expanding BBC Studios’ portfolio of brands across the Latin American market.

In her new role, Joseph will be responsible for leading the strategy and execution of the Bluey licensing program across Latin America. She will report to Murilo Hinojosa, VP of Consumer Products and Commercial Partnerships at BBC Studios.

The appointment follows BBC Studios’ expansion of Hinojosa’s responsibilities, with the executive now overseeing the Consumer Products and Commercial Partnerships business not only in Latin America, but also in the UK and EMEA.

La entrada BBC Studios Appoints Monica Joseph as Licensing Director for Latin America se publicó primero en TTV News.

Karin Marelle will take up her new role on February 17, 2026.

BBC Studios and UKTV have appointed Karin Marelle to lead their Global Acquisitions team, overseeing the sourcing of content across BBC Studios’ global channels and BBC-branded SVOD services in the UK, EMEA and APAC (Asia Pacific).

Marelle, who has over 20 years’ international experience leading acquisitions and co-productions in global markets, will be responsible for setting and executing the acquisitions strategy forcontent and pre-sales across BBC Studios’ branded services and the UKTV network. Reporting to Steve North, Chief Content Officer, UKTV, she will play a central role in maximising the organisations’ joint buying power to drive value and strengthen the content offering across platforms.

North said: “The past few months have been difficult as we continue to navigate the loss of our incredible colleague Mel Rumani, and I’m immensely proud of how the BBC Studios and UKTV Global Acquisitions team has come together to continue to drive the business forward”.

“As we look to the future, I’m delighted that Karin Marelle is joining the business to lead the team. Her vast experience in the industry, coupled with her strategic approach and passion for television, make her the ideal candidate for the role and we can’t wait to have her on board.”

Marelle added: “I am honoured to be joining UKTV and BBC Studios at such a transformative time for the business. I feel privileged to work with Steve and such a talented acquisitions team.UKTV is going from strength to strength in both performance and ambition, so it’s a great time to be leading our acquisitions strategy and contributing to the continued growth of U and the linear channels globally. I look forward to working with our talented teams and distribution partners to bring even more unmissable shows to our audiences in the UK and beyond.”

Marelle’s wealth of experience combines deep market knowledge with strategic vision and sound editorial judgement. Most recently she has worked as a Commercial Co-Production Consultant, orchestrating successful collaborations with international distributors and broadcasters.

Prior to this, Marelle was Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-productions at STARZ/Lionsgate, where she developed and executed acquisitions strategies across Europe and LATAM, acquiring hits such as Gangs of London (Sky) and Normal People (BBC), which boosted subscriber growth and elevated the brand’s international profile. During her tenure, she brought many popular UK dramas to North American audiences, most recently brokering pre-buys/co-productions for Mary & George (Sky) and The Couple Next Door (Channel 4).

Earlier in her career, Marelle held senior acquisitions roles at AMC Networks, ITV and BBC Worldwide, where she was recognised for securing high-value, competitive deals and shaping strong, distinctive content portfolios.

La entrada BBC Studios and UKTV appoint Karin Marelle as Global Head of Acquisitions se publicó primero en TTV News.

The companies announced a milestone co-production deal for documentary series about the Amazon.

Globo and BBC Studios have entered into a milestone co-production agreement for an upcoming documentary series that will transport audiences to the heart of the Amazon – one of the world’s most vital and contested regions. The series will combine BBC Studios’ world-renowned expertise in documentary filmmaking with Globo’s unparalleled journalistic strength in telling compelling stories from Brazil.

Gabriel Jacome, Director of Content at TV Globo, said: “This documentary marks a milestone for factual production in Brazil. We are bringing together our deep knowledge of the country with BBC Studios’ excellence in creating extraordinary documentaries that resonate globally. It will be one of the most ambitious factual projects to emerge from Latin America – a unique opportunity to tell a genuinely Brazilian story with global reach. This co-production is more than a series: it is a testament to the strength of Indigenous communities, the urgency of protecting the Amazon, and the power of audiovisual storytelling as a tool for transformation.”

Janet Brown, President, Global Content Sales at BBC Studios said: “As we look to grow our world-class offerings in this important market, we couldn’t be more delighted to embark on our first Latin American co-production with Globo, an invaluable, longstanding partner. This new documentary series represents a truly collaborative project designed to spark meaningful conversation, while giving us a valuable opportunity to deliver homegrown storytelling for our Latin American audiences and spotlight the Amazon’s rich Indigenous heritage on a global stage.”

The series will be produced by BBC Studios Specialist Factual Productions, with production to move forward at a time to be announced. BBC Studios brought the parties together for this historic deal and will now sell the series globally.

La entrada Globo and BBC Studios Announce First Coproduction se publicó primero en TTV News.

She will be responsible for sourcing and securing all genres of content from third party suppliers for UKTV’s portfolio of free-to-air and pay channels and free streaming service U, and BBC Studios’ global branded services.

UKTV and BBC Studios have appointed Sophie Judge to the role of Global Acquisitions Manager, further strengthening their combined expertise as a world-class hub for acquisitions covering content for an array of free-to-air and pay linear and VOD services in the UK and globally.

Joining the team led by Melanie Rumani, Global Head of Acquisitions for UKTV and BBC Studios, and reporting to Harriet Armston-Clarke, Senior Global Acquisitions Manager, UKTV and BBC Studios, Sophie will be responsible for sourcing and securing all genres of content from third party suppliers for UKTV’s portfolio of free-to-air and pay channels and free streaming service U, and BBC Studios’ global branded services.

Sophie joins UKTV from Sky where she has been a pivotal member of the acquisitions team since 2009. During that time, as Head of Acquisitions for Series, she led the renewal of the HBO output deal in 2019 for all European Sky territories and was a key stakeholder in the launch of Sky Comedy, Sky Docs and Sky Nature. More recently, as Acquisitions Manager for Sky Entertainment, Sophie led negotiations and acquired key series including Chicago Fire, Young Rock and American Auto for Sky UK, Germany and Italian entertainment channels.

UKTV and BBC Studios’ line up of high-quality acquired content includes UK premiers of hit series from around the world such as The Chelsea Detective (S3), CSI: Vegas, Blackshore, MasterChef Australia and The Brokenwood Mysteries, bingeable US box sets such as The Good Fight, Madam Secretary, Prison Break, Mad Men and Sons of Anarchy, and fan favourites and iconic home-grown programmes such as The Bill, Sister Boniface Mysteries, and an extensive catalogue of Guy Martin titles.

Sophie Judge said, “I’m really excited to be joining the team at UKTV and BBC Studios. They have a reputation for delivering world-class content. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a talented and experienced team. I’m really looking forward to working across the global services in the international market.”

Melanie Rumani, Global Head of Acquisitions for UKTV and BBC Studios, said: “I’m thrilled that Sophie is joining the UKTV and BBC Studios acquisitions team. We are a truly global team acquiring content for our extensive network of over 40 services around the world and I’m confident Sophie will make a huge contribution in continuing our success.”

La entrada UKTV and BBC Studios appoint Sophie Judge as Global Acquisitions Manager se publicó primero en TTV News.

Laura Fernández Espeso will be an executive producer for The Mediapro Studio and Karen Lawler is an executive producer for Hachette.

BBC, Moonage Pictures, and Nicolas Winding Refn today announce filming has begun on a brand-new series of The Famous Five for the BBC in the UK. The series is in co-production with The Mediapro Studio, which also holds the distribution rights in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

The two 90-minute series, created for television and executive produced by Nicolas Winding Refn (byNWR) and Matthew Read (Moonage Pictures), follows the highly successful first series aired on the BBC. The Curse of Kirrin Island premiere was CBBC’s number-one-rated episode in 2023.

The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the commissioning editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe. Laura Fdez. Espeso will be an Executive Producer for The Mediapro Studio and Karen Lawler is the Executive Producer for Hachette.

The Famous Five is based on Enid Blyton’s iconic stories and follows the daring young explorers as they encounter treacherous, action-packed adventures, remarkable mysteries, unparalleled danger, and astounding secrets. Series two takes our heroes into strange and challenging waters as they face life during wartime – and the hazards of growing up.

The new series sees our fearless young heroes encounter a host of new problems. Julian is under strict instructions to be a responsible older brother and keep his siblings safe whilst George is committed to seeking out the best and biggest adventures against Julian’s advice.

Dick is trying to be brave as the threat of war gets closer, and Anne’s formidable self-assurance is growing by the day. And Timmy? Timmy is deeply perturbed by the dwindling availability of sausages in Kirrin Cottage.

Matthew Read, Moonage Pictures, says, “Thanks to the hugely positive audience response and international success of the first three films, Moonage Pictures is delighted to be going on further adventures with The Famous Five. It’s been a real joy bringing these new stories to life with my good friend Nicolas Winding Refn and our wonderful cast and crew. We are so happy that Guy Andrews and Tom Bidwell have come on board to write these two new stories, encapsulating the thrill and excitement of the beloved books for a modern audience.”

Nicolas Winding Refn, creator and executive producer, says: “The excitement I feel for the return of The Famous Five fills my inner child with pure content. It is an adventure to manifest the youthful fantasies of my imagination and watch these characters, essentially my lifelong friends, continue to blossom and evolve. This second season is sure to inspire and elicit unadulterated elation!”

Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, says: “The glorious first series of The Famous Five brought families together to enjoy these timeless British stories which are so loved around the world. Homegrown stories, that resonate across generations and across frontiers, are a key part of our strategy and it’s such a joy to see the return of the young adventurers as they take on daring new mysteries.”

Laura Fernández Espeso, CEO of The Mediapro Studio, says: “We are thrilled by the success of the first season and excited to embark on this new journey with such a talented team for the upcoming season. The Famous Five is a cornerstone for The Mediapro Studio, delivering a top-tier adaptation of a beloved youth literature classic that resonates deeply with today’s audiences. This collaboration has not only solidified our partnership with the esteemed BBC Studios but also strengthened our commitment to producing high-quality English-language content.”

Diana Babnicova returns as George, alongside Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, and Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne. Making up the fifth member of The Famous Five and the gang’s faithful furry friend is Kip, the Bearded Collie Cross playing Timmy the dog.

With Jack Gleeson, James Lance, Ann Akinjirin also reprising their roles, they are joined by new cast members, including Spanish actress Maria Pedraza (Money Heist, Elite), Amir Wilson (His Dark Materials), James Wilby (Poldark), Rita Tushingham (A Taste of Honey), Jemima Rooper (Geek Girl), Jonathan Aris (Sherlock) and Jamie Andrew Cutler (The Hurricane Heist). Rooper starred as George in the 1990s Famous Five TV series and now takes on the role of Angela Clutterbuck, a guest staying at a mysterious hotel.

La entrada BBC Sets Up the Second Edition of the Famous Five With the Mediapro Studio se publicó primero en TTV News.

As head of content sales in the region, Teruko will spearhead all distribution of BBC Studios content to linear and digital platforms in Latin America, in addition to leveraging her extensive industry knowledge and relationships to lead new and existing acquisition and co-production partnerships with regional clients, driving new business strategies, and implementing licensing agreements.

As BBC Studios looks to grow its existing business with key buyers and establish new co-production partnerships in Latin America, the global content company announced today it has promoted Paula Teruko to Senior Director, Content Sales and Co-Productions, Latin America and U.S. Hispanic, effective immediately.

As head of content sales in the region, Teruko will spearhead all distribution of BBC Studios content to linear and digital platforms in Latin America, in addition to leveraging her extensive industry knowledge and relationships to lead new and existing acquisition and co-production partnerships with regional clients, driving new business strategies, and implementing licensing agreements. Working alongside the Global Entertainment team, format sales remain with Rebecca Tavares.

Teruko’s recent successes include inking a deal with longstanding partner Globo Group to bring the BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s latest landmark series Mammals and the third installment in the Changing Planet series to Brazil. Additionally, she brokered the sale of Doctor Who (Seasons 1-13) to +SBT, leading Brazilian broadcaster SBT’s newly-launched AVOD service.

Janet Brown, President, Content Distribution, North America & Latin America says: “Paula shares BBC Studios’ deep-rooted commitment to delivering world-class British content to new audiences around the world and possesses an unparalleled grasp of Latin American market. In her time at BBC Studios, she has forged highly valuable relationships with Brazil’s leading linear and digital streaming platforms. In her new role, we are confident she will build on those partnerships and establish new ones across Latin America as we continue to find new, innovative ways to bring in-demand British content to a growing, and important, market.”

Paula Teruko, Senior Director, Content Sales and Co-Productions, Latin America and U.S. Hispanic says: “I am delighted to take on this new role and look after content sales and co-productions for BBC Studios’ unmatched catalog in Latin America. From our outstanding children’s entertainment to strong women-led dramas to the Natural History Unit’s breathtaking factual content, I’m continually proud to represent BBC Studios. I eagerly look forward to building and nurturing strong relationships with our clients so that together, we can maximize content and coproduction opportunities and deliver the best of British storytelling to audiences throughout the region.”

Teruko is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil and will report into Sandra Murphy, Vice President, Content Sales & Co-Productions, Canada and Latin America. Teruko is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in content sales as well as communications and media planning. Prior to joining the sales team at BBC Studios in 2013, she founded Culturalle, a production fundraising company that partnered with independent producers in Brazil to raise funds for cultural projects and co-productions. She has also previously held key positions at ESPN, TV Cultura, and Folha de S.Paulo.

La entrada Paula Teruko Takes Helm of Latin American and U.S. Hispanic Sales and Co-Production Market for BBC Studios se publicó primero en TTV News.