Universal creates new TV model.(TOTP news special)

Universal has unveiled the first full details of a new TV production division which aims to revolutionise the relationship between labels and television broadcasters.

Globe Productions, which is being overseen by David Joseph in his role as Universal Music Operations president, will work directly with the major's roster of artists to create new TV formats and content for use across several media platforms, including TV, online and mobile. It will produce everything from new programming to sell to broadcasters to content to release as DVDs.

Globe's arrival underlines moves by Universal to play a more direct role in media activity, also reflected last week by the news of a link-up between the major and Channel 4 to assist the broadcaster in its bid for a new national DAB multiplex licence. The licence is expected to be advertised by regulator Ofcom in quarter four.

For Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge, the launch of Globe takes the major's relationship with its artists a further step on. "When we sign and discover and invest in talent we create a unique relationship with the artist and we see this is part of a natural extension of that relationship," he says. "If David Joseph can sit down with an artist and talk about the strength and quality of songs for a third or fourth album and make a difference, we can do that with other parts of their career."

Given the close artistic relationship it has, Joseph believes Universal can get access to its artists in a way broadcasters and production companies are unable to. "They feel more comfortable with us in terms of telling their stories and opening up their archives," says Joseph.