The BBC invest £200m in drama, entertainment and films

The BBC is expected to get an additional £200 million to invest in programming next year, funded by director general Greg Dyke’s restructuring.

Dyke is expected to announce that the extra £200 million is possible because of the increase to the licence fee and cuts to the BBC’s bureaucracy.

The cash boost comes on the back of Dyke’s wide-ranging revamp of the corporation, which is to involve the culling of hundreds of middle-management jobs.

The majority of the £200 million is to be channelled into producing new drama, entertainment and films for the BBC’s core channel line-up. Films are a top priority, with plans underway to develop a new film unit which will fund commercial British Films. Alan Yentob’s remit will be extended to cover the film unit, under the new title of director of drama, entertainment and talent.

Mark Thompson, former BBC 2 controller, as been named as Dyke’s number two, with overall responsibility for the TV channels.

This article was first published on Media Week