US TV
The BBC is to launch two new video on demand services on digital cable in America.
BBC Worldwide already offers BBC America On Demand to cable subscribers offering a selection of programming from its linear channel. The new services, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies, will be made available to digital cable subscribers early next year and could lead to the launch of full-time linear services if they are successful.
"We want to test the waters and prove to US cable and other pay TV operators that there is a strong demand for our content," Darren Childs, BBC Worldwide's director of channels, told Variety. "The US is a very difficult market in which to launch new channels because it is very crowded. By launching these branded VOD services, I am confident we can deepen our content relationship with existing subscribers."
Lifestyle and CBeebies are two of four main BBC brands being rolled out by the corporation's commercial arm in Europe; the bouquet is rounded out by Entertainment and Knowledge. There are currently no plans to offer the latter two services in the States.
BBC Worldwide already offers BBC America On Demand to cable subscribers offering a selection of programming from its linear channel. The new services, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies, will be made available to digital cable subscribers early next year and could lead to the launch of full-time linear services if they are successful.
"We want to test the waters and prove to US cable and other pay TV operators that there is a strong demand for our content," Darren Childs, BBC Worldwide's director of channels, told Variety. "The US is a very difficult market in which to launch new channels because it is very crowded. By launching these branded VOD services, I am confident we can deepen our content relationship with existing subscribers."
Lifestyle and CBeebies are two of four main BBC brands being rolled out by the corporation's commercial arm in Europe; the bouquet is rounded out by Entertainment and Knowledge. There are currently no plans to offer the latter two services in the States.
More: US TV
Tube Talk
'Skins': The most violent episode ever?Tube Talk previews this week's violent episode of the E4 drama Skins.
2012-13 Season
Blythe Danner for ABC's 'Gilded Lilys'Madeline Zima is also cast in the period drama pilot produced by Shonda Rhimes.
US TV Interviews
'Celebrity Apprentice' Debbie Gibson Q&ADebbie Gibson opens up about her Celebrity Apprentice experience.
US TV Ratings
'Blue Bloods', 'Grimm' rise on FridayCBS beats ABC to win Friday night's ratings battle, thanks to Blue Bloods.
