The BBC in a statement on Wednesday says that moving forward with one combined unit "will ensure the BBC is best placed to succeed both creatively and commercially and will better serve licence fee payers".
"At a time of an increasingly competitive and global market for production and distribution, this new organisational structure will bring the BBC into line with the rest of the industry, integrating programme production, sales and distribution in a single entity," says the BBC.
The commercial activities already carried out by BBC Worldwide - including content financing, sales and commercial channels - and BBC Studios, the BBC’s main programme production arm, is being combined into a simplified organisation.
BBC Studios launched as a commercial subsidiary in April 2017 and makes over 2 000 hours of programming a year.
Following the restructure, BBC Studios will employ approximately 3 000 permanent staff.
BBC Studios and BBC Worldwide already worked together on for instance the new documentary series Blue Planet II, currently shown in the United Kingdom, Asia and parts of Europe and set to debut on MultiChoice's DStv in Africa around February 2018.
"Joining forces will allow them to operate more simply and efficiently," says the BBC.
"All of the major established United Kingdom industry players integrate their programme production and distribution in this way."
"The TV industry has been changing fast and major global players are investing vast sums in content - but not primarily in British content reflecting British lives," says the BBC.
"A successful new BBC Studios will be better placed to make the investments others will not."
"Production arm BBC Studios is internationally recognised for making high-quality British programmes across a broad range of genres and specialisms. Boasting 81 awards so far this year, its output includes the highly acclaimed Blue Planet II, Strictly Come Dancing, Antiques Roadshow, EastEnders, Top Gear, the award-winning drama Three Girls, Louis Theroux’s latest documentary series and Drugsland".
"In a fast-changing TV industry, securing the future success of the BBC is vital," says BBC director-general, Tony Hall.
"Creating a single BBC Studios will bring the BBC in line with the industry, be simpler and more efficient."
The new BBC Studios will be led by Tim Davie as CEO and Mark Linsey as chief creative officer.
"Creating one company, in line with market norms, is a natural step in this market," says Tim Davie in the BBC statement.
"The new BBC Studios will be focused on the highest quality British content, underpinning our future financial return to licence fee payers."
"It will allow us to better serve customers, independent partners and the wider industry, resulting in world-class British productions for audiences in the UK and overseas. I am excited about the prospects ahead, and delighted to be part of the new organisation".
Mark Linsey says: "Bringing BBC Studios and BBC Worldwide together will help secure the BBC's future and guarantee our unrivalled creativity, risk-taking, quality and range."
