BT gets into film, TV and music

The show must go on, Pierre

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in Telecoms, 30th November 2004 09:55 GMT

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BT is to offer its punters oodles of TV, films, music and games as it beefs up the content available for its broadband users. The UK's dominant fixed line telco says it is responding to customer demands and their eagerness for more broadband content.

Said departing BT Retail chief exec Pierre Danon: "A focus on Entertainment Service is the natural next step for BT in driving further value for new and existing broadband customers. This is a truly exciting time for us as we feel that we are about to cross the chasm from an early adopter market to one which will fully embrace the full potential of broadband, a fledgling mass market.

"Our customers are telling us that they want more, that fast access alone is not enough, and they are demanding more entertainment and communications services."

BT is creating a new division called "BT Entertainment" which will be part of its Retail consumer business. From January 1, BT's new 'luvvie division' will develop, license and deliver content such as on-demand music, gaming, TV and movies.

Andrew Burke, currently director of value added services at BT Retail, has been named chief exec of BT Entertainment. He is joined in the new year by Dan Marks, the president of Universal Studios Networks UK, who will oversee BT's video-over-broadband services. ®