BBC Worldwide Scores NZ Content Deals

CANNES/SYDNEY, October 16:
New Zealand broadcaster Prime Television has renewed its agreement with BBC
Worldwide Australia to continue to air the hit motoring series Top Gear, while TVNZ also inked a deal for a number of new
and returning programs.

New dramas included in the
TVNZ package are Whitechapel, a
Carnival Films production for ITV; The Children from Tightrope Productions and Sleep with Me from Clerkenwell Films. Returning series include
the third season of the time-travel drama Primeval from Impossible Pictures, New Tricks from Wall to Wall Productions, Hotel Babylon from Carnival Films, Mistresses from Ecosse Television and Silent Witness.

Top Gear, returning to Prime, is consistently the network’s
highest-rating program. The series has aired on the channel since 2004.

“Our content has always
held wide appeal in New Zealand and it’s great to see that continue with a
lineup of such strong material going to TVNZ,” said Robyn Campbell, BBC
Worldwide’s sales manager for New Zealand.

“Meanwhile Prime has made Top
Gear the most recognized motoring
entertainment brand in New Zealand, and has contributed to its massive global
success,” Campbell continued. “We couldn’t be happier that Top Gear will remain with Prime.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski