BBC Worldwide & Foxtel Unveil New Channel Name

LONDON: BBC Worldwide has revealed that its new premium drama and comedy channel is to be called BBC First, which is launching on Foxtel in August 2014.

BBC First will offer viewers the best in British scripted content. The brand will be rolled out globally, with the first channel launch confirmed for Australia. The channel will launch as part of the Foxtel Drama & Lifestyle package next fall. It will feature such titles as The Musketeers, The Fear, A Young Doctor's Notebook, Dead Boss, The Village and The Fall. BBC First will also be available on Foxtel GO and in HD.

Tim Davie, the chief executive of BBC Worldwide, commented: "The BBC has a world-class reputation for drama and this new global brand builds on it. With drama at its core, BBC First will offer international audiences an unrivaled opportunity to view a wealth of original and unforgettable British content."

Jon Penn, the managing director of BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand, said: "BBC First captures the essence of the channel perfectly. It is synonymous with the quality BBC brand, delivering the best British drama and comedy to audiences before they can see it anywhere else in Australia. We’re delighted that our new channel, announced in April, is to become a BBC Worldwide brand that will be recognized and cherished around the world."

Brian Walsh, Foxtel's executive director of television, said: "This is another historic moment for Foxtel and a landmark television partnership. BBC First extends our un-rivalled commitment to securing the best premium programming for our subscribers. From August, every coveted BBC drama and comedy will premiere in Australia first on Foxtel."