Ericsson, a leader in communications technology and services, has signed a seven-year playout services contract with the BBC, a leading public service broadcaster.

The playout services include the technology and operations that allow broadcasters to deliver programmes to audiences through network, linear television channels, said a statement.

The contract was awarded following a long and competitive tender process and includes playout and media management services for the BBC’s portfolio of TV channels in the UK (BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, CBeebies and CBBC) and its interactive Red Button service.

It also includes playout and media management for the BBC’s commercially funded international news channel, BBC World News, which is available in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Bal Samra, managing director, BBC Television, said: “This is a very good outcome for the BBC which meets all our objectives – guaranteeing quality, flexibility and innovation in a commercial deal which provides excellent value for money.

“By extending our partnership with Ericsson we have secured the future delivery of these broadcast-critical services and delivered significant savings for the BBC.”

Thorsten Sauer, head of Broadcast and Media Services at Ericsson, said: “We are proud that the BBC has selected Ericsson as its playout partner of choice. The BBC is one of the world’s premier broadcasters and drives innovation in the industry.

“This continued partnership is very important for our business and demonstrates both our technical innovation and the quality and expertise of our people and our operations in managing highly complex and dynamic media operations.

“We have a very positive relationship with the BBC as a result of our acquisition of Red Bee Media in May 2014, and currently provide a number of other broadcast and media services to the BBC including metadata, interactive services and access services. We look forward to strengthening this relationship further over the coming years.” - TradeArabia News Service