BBC, Discovery Networks Headed to Mediaset Premium

MILAN: Mediaset has inked deals with BBC Worldwide Channels and Discovery Communications Europe for new pay-TV networks that will be carried on Mediaset Premium beginning March 1.

BBC Knowledge will offer a mix of science, technology, history, natural history and adventure programming, dubbed into Italian. The linear channel will feature 600 hours of new content in the first year, including 200 hours of territory premieres. The channel will be  accompanied by a VOD offering with 100 hours of new content planned for the first year.

"I am delighted that through this new partnership with Mediaset, BBC Knowledge will make its debut in Italy," said Ian McDonough, senior VP and general manager for EMEA at BBC Worldwide Channels. "It is BBC Worldwide’s first bespoke, fully dubbed channel in Western Europe and is programmed exclusively for Mediaset in Italian. I am certain that BBC Knowledge will soon be a firm favorite with Mediaset subscribers on account of the high-quality programming that it has to offer.”

Discovery World will skew toward a young audience, focusing on history, biography, science, nature and technology.