MUMBAI: The BBC has been named winner of this year's BWTVF Outstanding Achievement Award, becoming the first broadcaster to win the prestigious global award three times.

The judges commended the BBC's exceptional programmes including: Strictly Come Dancing, Planet Earth and Doctor Who, and for leading the development of digital television, radio and online services.

"The Banff World Television Festival salutes the many outstanding achievements of the BBC," says Jennifer Harkness, BWTVF Director of Content. "The BBC continues to lead the way with its outstanding television programming and brand."

Mark Thompson, Director-General of the BBC, will accept the award on behalf of the BBC on Sunday 10 June. He will also be speaking at the closing session of nextMEDIA, BWTVF's sister event.

BBC departments who have previously received the award are the Natural History Unit in 1990 and Drama in 1998. Other winners have included America's CBS and HBO and UK broadcaster Channel 4.

Mark Thompson said today: "I am delighted to be accepting the Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of everyone at the BBC.

"It is an honour for our high quality and successful programming across several genres to be recognised by the Banff World Television Festival and celebrated before the international broadcasting community.

"I am particularly pleased for the recognition of the BBC's forward-looking role in innovating for new digital platforms and audiences across television, radio and online."