Back on the block

Former BBC Director of TV Danny Cohen's gets to pick potential BBC drama output again - thanks to a new, bigger and better deal with BBC Worldwide.

The funding will come jointly from BBC Worldwide, and Access Entertainment, the berth provided for Danny by industrialist Len Blavatnik. The third party is Lookout TV - already 49% owned by BBC Worldwide. The trio - to be known as Benchmark - say they will back writers and producers before deciding the best channels for output.

The selection committee will be chaired by Danny, with Helen Jackson, chief content officer of BBC Worldwide, and Simon Vaughan and Faith Penhale (formerly BBC head of drama in Wales and one-time Queen of Cabs), joint CEOs of Lookout Point.