BBC Studios is contemplating the future of its content production operations in India due to significant changes in the local media environment. According to a report from India’s Economic Times, the potential withdrawal is under consideration in the wake of industry consolidation and reduced content budgets from both TV broadcasters and OTT platforms. However, a final decision is yet to be reached.
The Indian production arm of BBC Studios is known for creating local adaptations of popular shows such as The Office and Criminal Justice, alongside originals like Out of Love, Gaalivaana, and the sports docu-series Sons of the Soil. The company also has content agreements with ITV Studios and All3Media.
A BBC spokesperson told Deadline, “We regularly review our business operations to ensure they are as efficient and effective as possible and are currently undertaking a review of our production operating model in India. However no decision has been made.”
BBC Studios continues to distribute major hits in India, including Dancing with the Stars and Luther. The company operates production hubs globally, including in the U.S., Australia, and the Nordics.
This news comes at a challenging time for the Indian television industry, marked by budget constraints and evolving viewer preferences. It follows the recent departure of Sameer Gogate, former general manager of Indian productions for BBC Studios, whose responsibilities have been temporarily assumed by Deepa Nair and Sachin Mahajan.
Beyond production, the BBC maintains a presence in India through its TV and digital news platforms and operates BBC Earth in partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India. In 2021, the company expanded its digital offerings with the launch of BBC Player and BBC Kids on Prime Video.
The contemplation of scaling back in India coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny for the BBC in the country. In 2023, BBC offices in India were subject to income tax raids shortly after the release of the contentious documentary India: The Modi Question, which scrutinized Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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