Few sessions at Connected TV World Summit 2026 generated more corridor chatter than the BBC’s appearance on stage in London. What should have been a straightforward discussion about the future of BBC iPlayer instead left many attendees scratching their heads – trying to piece together the broadcaster’s increasingly complex content strategy. At the center of the debate is the BBC’s willingness to strike distribution deals with global streaming platforms, while simultaneously championing its own domestic streaming ecosystem. During a fireside chat, Kerensa Samanidis, General Manager of BBC iPlayer, attempted to clarify the broadcaster’s position. But, if anything, the discussion added more ambiguity. Responding to Netflix’s co-CEO expressing “eagerness” to carry BBC programming, Samanidis pushed back against suggestions that the BBC…