BBC Pay-TV Channels Launch in Burma

SINGAPORE: BBC World News, BBC Entertainment and CBeebies are making their inaugural debut in Burma on the Forever Group’s pay-TV platform in January.

All three channels, along with BBC World Service in Asia in English, will launch on January 1, 2013. This is the first carriage these channels have in Burma. The launch of the services delivers the programming to a potential reach of around 250,000 homes in Burma.

Mark Whitehead, the senior VP and general manager of BBC Worldwide Channels Asia, said: “I am pleased to be able to announce the launch of the BBC channels in Burma. We are very pleased to be part of Burma’s growing economy, and excited to be delivering our wide range of highly rated and award-winning programming—from programs specially designed for preschoolers, to the best of U.K. comedy and drama and high quality international news to new viewers.”

Peter Horrocks, the director of global news, said: “For many years, the BBC has delivered accurate, impartial international radio services to the Burmese people, serving as a vital lifeline service to Aung San Suu Kyi and those across the country. I’m so pleased that the BBC is now able to take the next step forward with the country to offer that same impartial news via television as well. It is a great sign of progress for Burma and I’m honored for the BBC to play a role in opening the country up to the world.”

Winn Maw, the CEO of Forever Group Co., commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with BBC Worldwide. High quality content is a key factor in driving our subscription growth, and we are confident that BBC World News, BBC Entertainment and CBeebies, together with BBC World Service radio will make Forever Group’s international lineup even stronger.”