NZ’s Prime Secures Doc Fare from BBC Worldwide

AUCKLAND: New Zealand broadcaster Prime has licensed a package of factual and documentary titles from BBC Worldwide, including Planet Earth II.

Karen Bieleski, head of entertainment content at SKY TV, noted, “It is tremendously exciting to be working with BBC Worldwide to bring this and other terrific new documentary series to a Kiwi audience. Documentary and factual content is very popular with our viewers and we know that this great BBC lineup will be well-received. In particular, there has been considerable interest locally in Planet Earth II and we are looking forward to sharing its incredible and unique stories with our viewers this year.”

Also part of the deal are Turkey With Simon Reeve, Life in the Air, Animal Babies and Secret Life of Dogs, among others, which will air as part of the Prime Planet doc strand. Prime will also rebroadcast the original Planet Earth this year. Other programs in the deal include Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute, Louis Theroux: Savile and new seasons of Flog It! and Fishing Impossible.

“It’s wonderful to have Planet Earth II premiering on Prime in New Zealand, where its remarkable predecessor launched ten years ago,” said Stephen O’Hanlon, content sales manager at BBC Worldwide ANZ. “Along with this redefining natural-history masterpiece, Prime will premiere a package of highly anticipated quality factual content that we’re sure New Zealand viewers will love.”