Trio of BBC Channels to Launch on StarHub

June 5, 2009 World Screen

SINGAPORE: BBC Worldwide Channels Asia is to launch BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies on StarHub TV in Singapore on August 1, reaching some 527,000 pay-TV subscribers.

The launches will significantly expand BBC Worldwide’s presence in Asia, where the new portfolio of BBC branded channels is currently available in 3.3 million homes across the region. The three new channels will join BBC World News and BBC Entertainment, which are already available on StarHub’s pay-TV platform. BBC Knowledge showcases the BBC’s award-winning factual and factual-entertainment programs. CBeebies provides a high-quality, interactive, entertaining and educational experience for preschool children. BBC Lifestyle offers programming for home, family and life, covering genres such as home and design, food, personal development, fashion and style, health and parenting.

Mark Whitehead, BBC Worldwide Channels Asia’s senior VP and general manager, commented: “Today’s announcement builds on BBC Worldwide Channels’ long-term relationship with StarHub. Singapore is an important part of our expansion strategy in Asia, and we are excited that our entire suite of channels will be offered together on one platform in Singapore.”

He added: “From August 1, viewers will be able to enjoy a greater range of programming from BBC Worldwide’s channels, including acclaimed and award-winning non-fiction and factual entertainment on BBC Knowledge; engaging and compelling programmes that inspire viewers to get more out of life on BBC Lifestyle; and a safe environment for preschoolers (0-6) to learn through play on CBeebies.”

Ong Bee Lian, StarHub’s VP of home solutions, added, “We are pleased with the expansion of our partnership with BBC Worldwide Channels that allows us to provide high quality programming across these new genres on our platform. With BBC Worldwide’s expertise as a global entertainment group, we are confident that the three channels will help to make StarHub TV’s channel lineup even stronger and more competitive.”