BBC Worldwide relaunches interactive media division

BBC Worldwide has relaunched its new media division in a bid to become the world’s leading player in interactive television and the Internet.

The new division will be called BBC Worldwide Internet & Interactive and will comprise the company’s existing new media operations. Chief executive Rupert Gavin says these services have grown dramatically over the past two years. They include interactive TV; e-commerce; multimedia; freebeeb.net, the free Internet service provider launched on September 2; and beeb.com, its commercial portal.

It will also include new capabilities such as direct response TV and a data gathering service.

A BBC Worldwide Internet and Interactive spokesman says: “The new division is part of an evolution of the new media function. Interactive TV and the Internet will play a bigger role within the BBC.”

Drew Kaza, a former consultant for BBC Worldwide, has been appointed managing director. Kaza founded Mediaplex, a business development agency specialising in broadcasting and interactive media.

Jeremy Mayhew, director of the former new media division, has become director of strategy.

The spokesman confirms beeb.com is recruiting a replacement for Rupert Miles, its director who left last week to head the Carlton Media Group.