TVE's programmes look at the complex linkages between humans and the natural and social environments. Programmes highlight the impact of human activities on the environment, the links between poverty, health and the environment, between environmental degradation and global trade and debt, women's reproductive rights and population growth, and how safeguarding the rights of women, children and other disadvantaged groups is an integral part of achieving sustainable development. By mid 2002, TVE has in its distribution catalogue over 800 titles in varying formats of documentary, docu-drama, drama, animation, song and TV spots.

TVE distributes its programmes to broadcasters as well as on video to non-broadcast users (NGOs, universities, training centres, etc.) - both on a cost-recovery, non-profit basis. As copyrights have been cleared for most developing countries, TVE is able to offer the programmes to southern users without charging commercial rates or royalties. TVE's most visible output is through two regular, weekly slots on BBC World television: 'Earth Report', which covers environmental issues, and 'Life' which addresses issues of social development, social justice and globalisation.

In the 1990s, TVE has forged partnerships with national level distributors and multipliers, collectively known as Video Resource Centres (VRCs). These are media-savvy civil society organisations engaged in advocacy, education, activist, research or community development activities - each autonomous, and with own constituencies and priorities. VRCs produce local language versions, and market them to users in their countries. VRC networks are found in Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Environment, health, women, children, youth, human rights, sustainable development, social justice.

TVE's original mandate was to act a a catalyst for the production and distribution of quality TV programmes and video films, to translate the somewhat dry priorities of development organisations into powerful human interest stories that can attract mainstream viewers. TVE's most important achievement has been the creation of a public space for filmmakers from the South to express their views and concerns both in their own countries as well as at a global level.

Over the years, TVE has mobilised large amounts of funds from development agencies, television industry and corporate sponsors to support southern film makers and distribution partners.