BBC Studios Chiefs on Mega-Mergers, Own M&A, Trump Tariffs, U.S. Streaming Growth, and the ‘Bluey’ Movie

Hollywood Reporter

by Georg Szalai

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

BBC Studios’ top executives, Tom Fussell and Zai Bennett, addressed a range of topics during their annual showcase in London, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, the Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, and the growth of BBC’s streaming business. They emphasized that BBC Studios has not faced significant impacts from Trump’s policies and remains resilient in the U.S. market. Fussell highlighted the company’s diversification strategy as a key strength, noting that while market growth may slow, BBC is focused on strategic global expansion and organic investment. Fussell also discussed the implications of mega-mergers, suggesting they often signal limited growth opportunities in the industry. He reaffirmed BBC Studios’ commitment to its transformation and global reach, with revenue up 55.7% over four years. Bennett echoed this sentiment, noting signs of recovery in the TV market but cautioning that future growth will operate under a “new normal,” with streaming and children’s programming as key priorities. Both executives hinted at BBC Studios’ potential for its own mergers and acquisitions, particularly in regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Fussell emphasized the importance of strategic, long-term investments in streaming, positioning BBC as a leader in British factual content. Bennett added that the company is also exploring inorganic growth opportunities while maintaining strong organic development. The discussion underscored BBC Studios’ adaptability and ambition in navigating an evolving entertainment landscape. Their focus on diversification, global expansion, and innovation positions them as a key player in shaping future industry trends, particularly in streaming and children’s content. This makes their insights valuable for anyone tracking the global entertainment and film industries.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/23/2026