Excl: BBC looks to strengthen local presence

 BBC Worldwide is looking to establish itself as a production house as well as provide content to entertainment broadcasters in the country. While the company had earlier this year entered the FM radio business in partnership with Radio Mid-Day, it is also looking at various other avenues to extend its footprints in India.

BBC Worldwide plans to script its India story in partnership with BBC World, said Richard Sambrook, CEO, BBC World. He added that the discussions for the roll-out was currently on in London.

"BBC's positioning in India will be unique, as the focus will be on bringing international news to Indian viewers and taking India to international audiences. We are not here to compete with the local players," Sambrook said.

The news major is also looking at increasing its business coverage in India and is in the process of employing more people for the same. Moreover, the company is also plans more India-centric programming.

Sambrook pointed out that a major task this year would be to bring together all of BBC's services