INSIGHT
CYRUS SAIHAN ARGUABLY holds one of the most intriguing roles in the media technology sphere .
Tasked with bringing third party innovation into the BBC to help create and distribute content in new ways , he is a key broker in ensuring that UK TV license payers receive value for money . Not just this , but content experiences that are truly world-leading .
With projects spanning from virtual reality and holographic TV to voice interfaces and ‘ mind-controlled ’ content consumption , Saihan is at the heart of innovation at one of the globe ’ s most iconic broadcasters . Here , he gives Gigabit the inside track .
GB : How has the BBC grown in the digital space in recent years ? CS : Throughout the BBC ’ s history we have continually reinvented the organisation to help deliver on our mission to inform , educate and entertain . The BBC launched its first website in 1997 and since then we have gone on to grow in the digital space , with highlights being the launch of BBC iPlayer in 2007 , the delivery of the first truly digital Olympics in 2012 and becoming the world ’ s first broadcaster to move a channel exclusively online with BBC Three in 2016 .
We ’ re also creating a more personal BBC , helping viewers and listeners find more of what they like through more personalised experiences . And by using data , we can make better informed decisions around future programming for everyone . With exciting digital technologies such as virtual reality , augmented reality , voice interfaces and artificial intelligence continuing to impact the media industry , we have a world-class technology team exploring these areas and making sure that we will continue to adapt and grow in the digital space .
Do you approach digital development at the BBC as you would at any other business ? The licence fee model of the BBC means that our UK services can remain free of adverts and we operate independent of shareholder and political interest – all of this combined gives us a unique position in the market and enables us to take a different approach to many other businesses .
Funding high-quality original programmes about the UK is something the BBC can do like no other media organisation – the licence
8 December 2017