BBC Worldwide Channels Sets Further Australian Launches

September 30, 2009 World Screen

LONDON: BBBC Worldwide Channels has secured carriage for CBeebies, BBC Knowledge and UKTV HD on Austar in Australia, with the trio set to launch this November.

The three channels will join UKTV and BBC World News on Austar, bringing the full range of the BBC’s programming to all Australian pay-TV homes for the first time. CBeebies is a preschool channel, BBC Knowledge offers factual and documentary programming and UKTV HD showcases world-class drama, comedy and entertainment all in high definition.

UKTV HD will further roll out on Foxtel on November 15, replacing BBC HD.

Darren Childs, the managing director of BBC Worldwide Channels, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our distribution through this deal with Austar. Australia is a hugely important market for BBC Worldwide and this deal builds on our acquisition of UKTV last year, as well as the launch of BBC Knowledge and CBeebies on Foxtel. Our channels are already the number two international portfolio in subscription TV homes, and now viewers across Australia will be able to enjoy the quality and breadth of the BBC’s award-winning content.”

Deanne Weir, the group director of corporate development at Austar, commented: “We’re thrilled to be adding the world-renowned BBC Knowledge and CBeebies to our channel line up. BBC Knowledge’s fantastic range of ‘inquisitive’ programming will be welcomed by our regional documentary lovers. Meanwhile, families in regional areas will be excited about the addition of CBeebies and its award-winning content to our great range of children’s programming. These two channels will be a great value-add for our customers.”

“I’m extremely pleased that regional Australians will now have access to the full portfolio of channels that encapsulate the quality, breadth and depth of BBC programming," said Tony Iffland, the general manager of BBC Worldwide Channels Australasia. "The next year will be critical in furthering the local relevance of all our channels in the competitive STV market.”