BT fires up entertainment division

BT today announced the creation of a broadband entertainment and education division to develop, license and sell broadband content, including on-demand music, gaming, TV and movies.

The division, called BT Entertainment, will form part of the telco's retail consumer business.

Due to become operational on 1 January, BT Entertainment will incorporate services such as BT's Rich Media content platform business, Click & Buy online payment system and BT Learning Centre online learning offering.

The division's chief executive has been announced as Andrew Burke, currently director of value added services at BT Retail.

Burke, previously chief executive at media venture capital fund eVerger and chief operating officer at internet capital fund eVentures, was also the founder and chief executive of ISP LineOne.

BT also announced that Dan Marks, president of Universal Studios Networks UK, is to join BT Entertainment early in the new year to lead its future video-over-broadband service development. He will report to Burke.

Pierre Danon, BT Retail chief executive, said: "A focus on entertainment services is the natural next step for BT in driving further value for new and existing broadband customers.

"Our customers are telling us that they want more, that fast access alone is not enough, and they are demanding more entertainment and communications services.

"The purpose of BT's entertainment division is to meet those customer demands by developing, licensing and bringing to market content value added services such as on-demand music, gaming, television and movies."