BBC Studios expands in Spain with new Madrid-based channels and streaming team

BBC Studios is strengthening its investment in Spain and Portugal with the launch of a dedicated Iberia operation for its channels and streaming business, based in Madrid.

The move reflects the ongoing expansion of BBC Studios’ channels and Streaming business in Spain, where it currently operates VOD service BBC Player and six FAST channels - BBC Top Gear, BBC Series, BBC Lifestyle, BBC History, BBC Food and BBC Earth.

BBC Studios’ services currently reach an audience of more than 16 million in Spain through leading providers such as Movistar Plus, Vodafone, Digi and MasOrange, and through connected TV and streaming platforms including LG Channels, Pluto TV, Rakuten TV, Samsung TV Plus, TCL Channel, Titan OS and Xiaomi TV+.

To lead the next phase of growth, BBC Studios has appointed David Urgell Pérez as Country Manager, Iberia for Global Channels and Streaming. Based in Madrid, he will oversee the company’s commercial strategy across Spain and Portugal, deepen relationships with distribution, platform and advertising partners, and identify new opportunities to expand BBC Studios’ presence across the region.

Alongside Urgell Pérez, BBC Studios has strengthened its local leadership team with the appointments of Cristina Miquel as Head of Marketing and Carlos Méndez as Head of Programming.

Miquel will lead local brand, communications and audience growth initiatives, helping to drive awareness of BBC Player and BBC Studios’ channel portfolio through targeted consumer and trade marketing activity. Méndez will oversee content and programming strategy for Iberia, ensuring the portfolio continues to deliver a compelling mix of premium content tailored to local viewing preferences while maintaining BBC Studios’ editorial standards and brand values.

The Madrid team will work closely with distribution and advertising partners to unlock new commercial opportunities across BBC Studios' growing portfolio, bringing premium brand-safe environments and globally recognised content brands to advertisers across Spain and Portugal.

Arran Tindall, President EMEA, Global Channels & Streaming, BBC Studios, said: “Spain is one of our fastest-growing markets in Southern Europe, with strong demand for premium British content creating new opportunities for greater audience reach, distribution and advertising partnerships. Establishing a dedicated local team will build on success we have already achieved and the significant opportunity ahead, deepening our relationships with local partners, strengthening our commercial and advertising proposition, and continuing to expand the reach of BBC Studios’ brands and content for audiences across Iberia."

David Urgell Pérez, Country Manager, Iberia, Global Channels & Streaming, BBC Studios, said: "BBC Studios has built a strong foundation in Spain through its premium content, channel portfolio and trusted partnerships. The opportunity now is to build on that momentum and accelerate growth across FAST, streaming and commercial opportunities. I’m excited to work alongside our partners to broaden audience reach, unlock new opportunities for advertisers and platforms, and ensure more viewers across Spain and Portugal can enjoy the very best of BBC Studios’ content and brands."

The new local team for Channels and Streaming builds on BBC Studios' established presence in Spain which includes long-standing content sales partnerships and award-winning production company Brutal Media. Since joining BBC Studios, Brutal has produced acclaimed scripted and unscripted series for leading broadcasters and streamers, reflecting continued investment in the Spanish market.

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About BBC Studios
BBC Studios is the main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd and generated revenues of £2.1 billion in the last year and profits of over £200 million for a fifth consecutive year. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the content studio, which produces, invests and distributes TV and audio globally and media & streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including UKTV, BBC.com and BritBox and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made almost 3,500 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide range of UK and global broadcasters and platforms. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.