Through working with Thoughtly, and utilising machine learning, we are building a deeper understanding of our content so that it can be paired with the most relevant audiences for both the BBC Worldwide and our partners.

BBC Worldwide today announces a partnership with start-up Thoughtly, leaders in artificial intelligence solutions. With the rate and magnitude of content produced, consumed and disseminated growing the support of even more sophisticated technology is crucial. This, the latest partnership for BBC Worldwide’s Insight team, offers an opportunity to explore how machine learning can support its commitment in gaining a deeper understanding of which genres are most in demand, and where.

Following an initial trial, BBC Worldwide and Thoughtly have recently completed a more detailed piece of analysis – which includes looking at synopses and descriptions of programmes alongside data mining- to tease out more detail as how best to categorise individual titles.

David Boyle, EVP Insight, BBC Worldwide said: "We are excited that Thoughtly can help us reveal patterns and trends previously unknown and hidden in our content.

“Through working with Thoughtly, and utilising machine learning, we are building a deeper understanding of our content so that it can be paired with the most relevant audiences for both the BBC Worldwide and our partners."

We are working together to answer some key analytical questions including: What are the recurring and elusive patterns that transcend the various genres in our catalogue? And how have themes evolved over the years - which have grown, declined, appeared and dissipated?”

Chase Perkins, Founder and CEO of Thoughtly, said of its research: “Thoughtly makes machine learning based research tools for non-technical professionals. If you want people to reap the utility of AI, you need to provide them with an immersive, app-like experience.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with BBC Worldwide’s Insight team as it continues to lead the industry and foster technology innovation.”

Thoughtly is the latest start-up BBC Worldwide’s Insight team have collaborated with to gain greater understanding of audience behaviours and needs.

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For further information:

Cassandra Power, Head of Corporate and Digital Communications

Cassandra.Power@bbc.com / 07739300280

Notes to Editors

For more information on Thoughtly’s artificial intelligence tools, visit http://thoughtly.co

Follow Thoughtly on Twitter: @Thoughtly_me

Follow BBC Worldwide on Twitter: @BBCWpress

About BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world. This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also champions British creativity globally.

In 2015/16, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £133.8m and headline sales of £1,029.4m and returned £222.2m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review webpage: www.bbcworldwide.com/annual-review

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