How Can the BBC Compete with Major Streamers Without Winning Bidding Wars? – Daily Business

There once was a time when it was inconceivable that the BBC could be replaced by on-demand streaming platforms. Now, though, there’s talk of the iconic service fading away as mega corporations monopolise the entertainment industry.

With the BBC being outbid for various major events that it has traditionally broadcast, it’s clear that the company needs to adapt its model. The BBC may not be able to compete with the likes of Netflix in terms of financial clout, but it could innovate and expand its offerings to stay relevant and continue to attract viewers.

BBC Recently Outbid for Commonwealth Games

One of the biggest pieces of news in recent times related to the struggles the BBC is facing was when it was outbid for the broadcasting of the Commonwealth Games in 2026. TNT Sports bought the rights for next summer’s events, meaning that the BBC will not be showing them for the first time since 1954.

The BBC has lost other sporting events over the last decade that it was famous for showing in the past as well. Indeed, it no longer has the rights to prestigious events like The Grand National, The Open, and Formula 1. It hasn’t shown a live England cricket match since 2005 either, highlighting how it isn’t seen as the main place for top sports in the UK anymore.

It’s clear that the reason the BBC has fallen from its perch as a main provider for sporting events is due to money. Bigger players have simply come in and snaffled up all the opportunities, leaving the BBC without a chance to compete. With these dynamics in play across the entertainment market, it begs the question as to how long the BBC can stay afloat with only the TV Licence Fee to sustain it.

Focus on Building a Greater Ecosystem

Times are changing in television, and the live broadcasts that the BBC was once famous for are no longer central to its survival. Instead, the network needs to evolve and innovate, becoming something more in line with today’s modern entertainment platform.

It may make sense for the BBC to build a greater entertainment ecosystem around its BBC iPlayer offering, with a blend of on-demand and live content available. Even though the network can’t broadcast events like the Commonwealth Games live, it can offer related content that supplements the sports, such as punditry.

Other entertainment platforms thrive on the fact that they have a wide variety of content on offer, with Netflix now offering live offerings, on-demand series and films, and games. Online casinos have adopted this model as well and now go way beyond traditional table games. There are jackpot titles that can be played in short bursts, live casino games, and even online scratchcards. The BBC could maybe look into expanding beyond what it already has, perhaps into more gamified or interactive content.

The BBC has overcome various obstacles over the years, but the rise of streaming platforms is posing the greatest threat to its survival yet. The company needs to adapt and expand its offerings in new ways to be able to rival the richest platforms in the business.