BBC Worldwide signs deal for Universal Music television content

BBC Worldwide's push into selling more music programming has been given another boost with the signing of a new long-term deal to distribute all Universal Music's television content. The BBC's commercial arm has also secured the international distribution to a new documentary about the making of the Rolling Stones' 1972 album Exile on Main St, which features new interviews with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Under the terms of the Universal contract, BBC Worldwide will sell new television shows from Universal Music along with content from a "selection of international artists signed through Universal Music Group International". The deal was announced yesterday at international sales market BBC Showcase in Brighton, which featured a performance by Universal artists the Sugababes. Stephen Davies, the director of BBC Worldwide Audio & Music, said: "We are proud to become distribution partner with the world's biggest record label and are delighted to be representing such a great roster of artists. "This deal further strengthens our relationship with Universal and, with its promise of more great programming, will take BBC Worldwide Music to a new level as a major music distributor." Exile on Main St is directed by Stephen Kijak and features the story behind the making of the sprawling double album, which was recorded over several years, including a period in mid 1971 when the Stones decamped to a chateau near Nice in southern France for tax reasons. The deals follow the news earlier this week that BBCW has signed a contract to sell the Glastonbury Festival globally . • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".