MIPCOM: BBC / BBC Studios

BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips Rejects Algorithms

October 13, 2026 Robert Mitchell News
News Context
At a glance
  • BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips stated at MIPCOM that she will not let algorithms guide the development of new BBC formats, despite the network's expanding YouTube partnership.
  • Phillips uses the number of visible cranes as an economic indicator to predict viewer habits one to two years ahead, according to DWDL.de.
  • In difficult economic times, she said, demand rises for comfort viewing, while economic booms drive appetite for harder entertainment formats.
Original source: dwdl.de

BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips stated at MIPCOM that she will not let algorithms guide the development of new BBC formats, despite the network’s expanding YouTube partnership. DWDL.de reported that Phillips relies instead on intuition and an unusual economic indicator: counting construction cranes in the London skyline.

Why is Kate Phillips counting construction cranes in London?

Phillips uses the number of visible cranes as an economic indicator to predict viewer habits one to two years ahead, according to DWDL.de. Her thesis is that economic health dictates what audiences want to watch on television.

In difficult economic times, she said, demand rises for comfort viewing, while economic booms drive appetite for harder entertainment formats. She noted that successful UK launches of formats like Big Brother and The Weakest Link occurred during boom years, and her current crane index points to cautious optimism.

Nur weil sich der Vertriebsweg verändert, heißt das nicht, dass sich unsere kreativen Ziele verändert haben.

Kate Phillips, BBC

How does the YouTube strategy change BBC format development?

DWDL.de reported that the BBC announced a strategic partnership with YouTube earlier in the year, expanding its presence and planning formats that will premiere directly on the video platform. Phillips noted that YouTube formats require titles and thumbnail images designed to capture attention without sacrificing editorial and creative standards.

The BBC’s documentary channel Deep Watch has reached approximately 2.5 million subscribers. For that offering, the broadcaster commissioned about 20 documentaries from a mix of established production companies, younger digital firms, and new creators.

What role do commercial brands play in the platform strategy?

Zai Bennett, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of commercial subsidiary BBC Studios, stated that ideas can originate from classic development teams, production partners, or digital creators, DWDL.de reported. However, successful concepts require time and systematic multi-platform development to build lasting brands.

Bennett pointed to Dancing with the Stars as an example, noting that TikTok activity and candidate-focused content help reach new audiences by pairing lesser-known celebrities with professional dancers. The US version recently recorded 73 million votes during an elimination round, prompting the team to monitor transferable approaches for the British version, Strictly Come Dancing.

When should brand extensions and merchandise be planned?

Shelley Macintyre, CEO Brands and Licensing at BBC Studios, stated that brand development must look beyond the television program early in the process. For family and children’s offerings, teams must consider potential business fields such as games, clothing, and collectibles right during the initial development phase, according to DWDL.de.

May london uk kate phillips at the bafta television awards at the royal festival hall london sue andrewsalamy

Related reading