BBC launches Scandinavian channels

BBC Worldwide is to replace BBC Prime in Scandinavia with BBC Lifestyle and BBC Entertainment and launch BBC HD and BBC Knowledge to the region in December.

Each channel "will be scheduled and tailored specifically for each country in the Nordic market and will broadcast with local subtitling". The portfolio will be carried on Canal Digital.

"Our plan to roll out these channels across Scandinavia follows eight other successful channel launches in EMEA this year," said Dean Possenniskie, general manager and senior vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa at BBC Worldwide Channels. "Scandinavia has always been a priority market for us with local audiences here clearly identifying with the BBC brand and already enjoying the quality programming that the BBC has to offer. I am also delighted that our partnership with Canal Digital will allow us to broadcast BBC HD for the first time in Europe.

"Scandinavia is one of the most advanced television markets in Europe and the fact that we have an agreement with Canal Digital to add three SD channels to their offering is testament to the quality and potential of our channels business."