In a significant move within the UK production landscape, All3Media’s Objective Media Group has decided to merge two well-known indies, Triple Brew and Betty, into a single, yet-to-be-named label. This consolidation will see the combined slate of these two production companies, which includes popular shows like The Cube, Lingo, Wheeler Dealers, and Bear Grylls series Bear’s Mission, being housed under one roof. Consequently, the distinctive labels of Betty and Triple Brew will cease to exist, leading to inevitable job losses amid the restructure.
Objective Media Group is known for its diverse portfolio of indie labels covering scripted, factual, and entertainment genres. It is hailed as one of the UK’s premier production companies, with multiple bases across the country and an office in LA. As a subsidiary of All3Media, Objective has been at the forefront of innovative content creation and storytelling since 2007. Currently, All3Media is undergoing a massive acquisition by RedBird IMI in a deal worth $1.45 billion, adding another layer of complexity to the consolidation of Triple Brew and Betty.
Triple Brew Media, a niche production company specializing in quiz and gameshow formats, was established in 2019. Led by industry veterans Ben Shephard, Becca Walker, and Ed De Burgh, Triple Brew has successfully produced hit shows like Lingo, The Cube, and Picture Slam, hosted by popular TV personality Alan Carr. Notably, the US version of Lingo, hosted by Rupaul Charles, is set to premiere on CBS later this month, showcasing the global appeal of Triple Brew’s content.
Betty TV
Betty TV, acquired by All3Media in 2017 from its co-parent Discovery, has been a prominent player in the UK production scene. Headed by David Harrison and Helen Cooke, Betty TV has a track record of creating compelling content such as Wheeler Dealers, The Undateables, and Bear’s Mission With, featuring celebrities like Fred Sirieix and Gino D’Acampo. The merger with Triple Brew marks a new chapter for Betty TV, as it transitions into a unified entity under the Objective Media Group umbrella.
The decision to consolidate Triple Brew and Betty comes at a time of unprecedented challenges for the UK production sector. With channels tightening their budgets, the cooling of the streaming spending boom, and a decrease in commission opportunities, production companies are facing increased pressure to adapt and innovate. The merger of Triple Brew and Betty reflects a strategic restructure aimed at streamlining operations and maximizing synergies in a rapidly changing industry landscape.
The merger of Triple Brew and Betty under the umbrella of Objective Media Group signifies a bold step towards a more streamlined and efficient production model. While the consolidation may lead to initial job losses, the long-term benefits of combining the strengths and resources of these two renowned indies are expected to drive future growth and success in the competitive UK production market.