BBC Entertainment Set for European, Mideast Rollout

LONDON: BBC Worldwide Channels is rebranding BBC Prime in Europe and the Middle East as BBC Entertainment beginning this November.

BBC Entertainment has already rolled out across Asia, including India, as well as in Poland, Africa, Scandinavia and Latin America. Offering comedy, drama and light entertainment programming from the BBC and third-party British suppliers, BBC Entertainment replaces BBC Prime, which is currently in 12 million homes across Europe and the Middle East. The upcoming lineup on BBC Entertainment includes This Life +10 and the five-part series Mine all Mine, penned by Russell T. Davies, plus blocks for documentary, lifestyle and children’s programming in off-peak hours.

“Launching BBC Entertainment in over 12 million households in Europe is a significant step in our ongoing commitment to provide audiences with channels that reflect the quality synonymous with the BBC brand," said Dean Possenniskie, the general manager and senior VP for EMEA at BBC Worldwide Channels. "I’m sure viewers will appreciate the fresh and contemporary on-air look for BBC Entertainment and will enjoy the hundreds of hours of fresh programming that will hit their screens this year.”