Prime Scores BBC Worldwide Doc Titles

AUCKLAND: A range of BBC Worldwide titles are headed to Prime in New Zealand for its upcoming Prime Planet documentary strand.

The long-term free-to-air deal with BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand covers blue-chip titles like The Story of China and Stephen Fry in Central America, second seasons of Coast Australia and Rick Stein’s Long Weekends and two new travel shows, Greece and Ireland with Simon Reeve.

“Prime viewers love to find out about other countries and civilizations, so we felt it was time to dedicate a slot to these fascinating stories,” said Karen Bieleski, Sky Network Television’s head of general entertainment and Prime. “And who better to provide the initial impetus for Prime Planet than the BBC, with their unrivaled production values, impeccable research, and great presenting talent.”

“We’re also thrilled to have secured the new BBC drama series The Durrells, based on the delightful memoirs of naturalist and conservationist Gerald Durrell and his childhood in Greece, as well as Dr. Michael Mosley’s blockbuster new documentary series Nine Months That Made You, and the ‘extreme fishing’ series Fishing Impossible.”

“I’m delighted to close this major deal package with one of our most valued partners in BBC Worldwide,” added Lisa Clements, head of acquisitions. “This comes on top of our existing BBC business which ensures Prime viewers have access to the best of British television such as Doctor Who, Antiques Roadshow, and of course Top Gear. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the BBC in New Zealand and this additional deal ensures Prime viewers have much to look forward to over the coming months.”

Deborah Tod, sales manager at BBC Worldwide ANZ, noted, “I’m thrilled Prime has chosen some of our leading documentaries to launch their new strand Prime Planet. This package showcases the very best in factual storytelling together with an unmissable drama, which will sit alongside some of our biggest brands already at home on the channel.”