For a decade, two prominent public media entities, PBS in the U.S. and the BBC’s commercial arm, BBC Studios in the U.K., have fostered a fruitful co-production partnership. This collaboration has yielded popular television programs that may not be the latest Netflix obsession or the hottest HBO drama, but have garnered a dedicated following on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.
Executives involved in this partnership emphasize its strength and ambition. They are committed to producing high-quality programming that would face significant obstacles in the more commercial environment. In 2025, a prime example of this collaboration will be the return of “Walking With Dinosaurs,” a lavish production from BBC Studios relocating to PBS.
Sylvia Bugg, PBS’s chief programming executive, stresses the importance of “future visioning” for the longevity of the partnership. Both organizations share a dedication to providing program makers the freedom to excel and are known for their patience, sometimes taking years to see projects come to fruition.
Kate Ward, managing director of factual programming at BBC Studios, highlights the “values-driven alignment” as a key factor. This allows them to focus on specialist factual programming, science, history, and arts, a commitment that doesn’t waver based on trends.
“Walking With Dinosaurs” returning after 25 years showcases the scale and ambition the partnership enables.
Ward also emphasizes the opportunity to innovate and take risks.
“It’s so thrilling for our teams to be in a culture where next year the bar is always higher,” she says.
The partnership extends beyond traditional linear shows. It embraces digital and short-form content, educational resources linked to PBS programming, and even explores immersive experiences.
Jack Bootle, head of specialist factual commissioning at the BBC, notes a rising confidence and collaborative spirit, leading to more creatively ambitious projects. He believes this partnership produces some of the BBC’s finest work.
“We both really love shows that are unafraid to be intelligent, but that don’t patronize you, but treat audiences with respect,” explains Bootle. “We’re completely committed to truth, accuracy, scientific regard, and proper journalism.
Both entities believe this commitment to quality wouldn’t occur in the broader media landscape.
The series features “Big Cats 24/7,” “Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World” with Public Enemy’s Chuck D, “Solar System,” and historian Lucy Worsley’s “Holmes vs. Doyle.”
Bugg declares, “There’s a real trust in this partnership, so much of it is built on mutual trust when we bring a slate of programs together. If it’s something that the BBC doesn’t feel really super passionate about, I’ll always say, let’s talk about it, and vice versa. We give that honest feedback.”
Series like ”The Green Planet,” narrated by David Attenborough, exemplify this collaborative spirit, showcasing imaginative concepts that likely wouldn’t have materialized otherwise.
Looking ahead, “Walking With Dinosaurs” is highly anticipated, marking a powerful testament to the enduring success of this partnership. Despite cultural differences causing humorous moments, the joint venture continues to produce exceptional content that resonates globally.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert in Public Media Collaboration
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and welcome to our discussion today. We’re thrilled to have with us Dr. Emma Caldwell, an expert on public media partnerships. Dr. Caldwell, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Caldwell: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an interesting topic.
Time.news Editor: In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of streaming giants like Netflix and HBO dominating the conversation around quality television. However, the partnership between PBS and BBC Studios has produced noteworthy content beyond those trends. Can you tell us what makes this collaboration distinctive?
Dr. Caldwell: Absolutely! The PBS and BBC Studios partnership is a fantastic example of how public media can thrive outside the commercial pressures that often dictate content creation. Their focus is on quality over immediate popularity. This allows for innovative programming, such as their upcoming revival of “Walking With Dinosaurs.” It’s a testament to their commitment to education and high production values that wouldn’t easily fit into a mainstream entertainment model.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! Sylvia Bugg, PBS’s chief programming executive, mentioned the importance of “future visioning”. How does this approach contribute to the resilience of their partnership?
Dr. Caldwell: Future visioning is crucial for sustainable partnerships, particularly in public media. By prioritizing long-term goals over quick wins, PBS and BBC Studios create a nurturing environment for creators. This patience can significantly benefit the development of complex projects, as evidenced by the 25-year gap before the return of “Walking With Dinosaurs.” They’re willing to invest time and resources into projects that might not have immediate payoffs but can yield significant cultural and educational rewards down the line.
Time.news Editor: Kate Ward emphasized a “values-driven alignment.” How does this shared focus on core values impact their content?
Dr. Caldwell: Shared values underpin their commitment to factual programming. By aligning their objectives around science, history, and the arts, they can circumvent the typical market pressures that often lead to sensationalist or trend-chasing content. This creates a unique space for passionate storytelling and in-depth exploration of subjects that engage and educate audiences. It’s about enriching society rather than merely entertaining it.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of innovation, you mentioned alongside the traditional formats, the partnership is exploring digital and short-form content. How significant is this move?
Dr. Caldwell: It’s very significant! The shift towards embracing digital content allows PBS and BBC Studios to reach a wider and more diverse audience. With audiences increasingly consuming media through different platforms, adapting to this landscape is essential. Short-form content can serve as both a gateway to deeper documentaries and a space to present quick, engaging insights that keep the audience connected. This flexibility positions them well within the ever-evolving media ecosystem.
Time.news Editor: There’s clearly a lot of ambition behind this partnership. What do you see as the future prospects for PBS and BBC Studios?
Dr. Caldwell: The future looks bright! As they continue to innovate and take risks, such as with “Walking With Dinosaurs,” they’re likely to further cement their role as leaders in educational programming. Their approach serves as a model for other public media organizations seeking to maintain relevance in a crowded media landscape. There’s always the potential for even broader collaborations across global networks, expanding their reach and impact.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Caldwell, for your insights today. It’s clear that the collaboration between PBS and BBC Studios is not only about creating compelling content but also about cultivating a legacy of educational programming that resonates with audiences around the world.
Dr. Caldwell: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this partnership evolves in the coming years.
Time.news Editor: We share that excitement. Thank you to our audience for joining us today; we hope you found this discussion as engaging and enlightening as we did!