CBeebies Getting Localized for Nordic Region

LONDON: The preschool channel CBeebies is headed to Norway, Denmark and Sweden as a localized service, via a deal signed by BBC Worldwide and Canal+.

CBeebies will launch as a commercial-free daily block on Canal+’s new children’s channel, which is available starting in June. The block will be dubbed into Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, in addition to the original English-language audio. The CBeebies programming will air every day in two three-hour blocks, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A number of shows from CBeebies will also be featured in the VOD service.

The programming lineup for the bespoke Nordic service will include the science show Nina and the Neurons, The Roly Mo Show and the original commission Penelope K, By the Way.

Ian McDonough, the senior VP and general manager for EMEA at BBC Worldwide Channels, said: “I am delighted that a bespoke, localized CBeebies block will be available in Norway, Sweden and Denmark for the first time. CBeebies is the number one channel in the U.K. for preschool children, and has proved to be immensely popular with our audiences internationally. Preschoolers enjoy CBeebies’ unique mix of new and landmark, high-quality programs and their parents and carers appreciate that CBeebies educates and entertains the BBC’s youngest audiences in a safe and trusted environment. I am confident that CBeebies will be a popular addition to Nordic households with children and their parents and carers alike.”
 
“Canal+ has a lot to offer most viewers whether their preference is films, sports or TV-series. We are now broadening our offer for the family households with CBeebies and children’s films,” added Johan Kleberg, the CEO at Canal+. “BBC make what are perhaps the best children’s programming in the world, educating as well as entertaining the youngsters.”