BBC First (Australian TV channel) explained

BBC First
Picture Format:576i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Owner:BBC Studios
Area:Australia
Website:http://www.bbcaustralia.com/channels/first/
Online Serv 1:Foxtel Go
Online Chan 1:Channel 117
Online Serv 2:Fetch Mobi
Online Chan 2:Channel 114
Online Serv 3:Binge
Online Chan 3:binge.com.au

BBC First was an entertainment subscription television channel broadcasting in Australia. It was the localized version of the internationally available BBC First. The channel was wholly owned and operated by BBC Studios.[1] [2] [3]

History

On 17 April 2013, it was announced that the BBC had forged a new exclusive deal with Australian subscription television provider Foxtel, which would see a new channel launched that would feature comedy and drama content, with programming screening as close to their original UK transmission as possible.[2]

The following day it was announced that this deal resulted in the end of a 50-year-old deal with Australian free-to-air broadcaster ABC, which they were not consulted about.[4] Despite the new exclusive deal with Foxtel, it does not affect 'grandfathering' agreements whereby series that are currently broadcasting on other networks are not affected and will remain on their current network.[4] The programming that is shown on the new channel will not air on Australian free-to-air for at least 12 months after its first airing, if ever.[2] [5]

It was later announced the new channel would be named BBC First, a new global brand that would roll out in 2014, with Australia being the first location to launch the new channel.[3] The Australian channel is available in linear format and in high definition, launching on 3 August 2014.[3] [6] [7]

On 1 February 2015, BBC First launched on Australian IPTV service Fetch TV – ending Foxtel's exclusivity.[8] [9]

On 14 February 2017, BBC First was available in HD for Fetch TV customers.[10]

The channel exited Foxtel and Binge on 31 July 2024.[11] BBC Drama, a new channel, replaced BBC First on Fetch TV.[12]

Programming

The channel targets affluent people between 25 and 54 years old, with a specific target demographic of women aged 40–54.[13]

Original programming

Acquired programming

Notes and References

  1. BBC Worldwide and Foxtel unveil new channel name . 18 October 2013 . BBC Worldwide . 3 May 2014.
  2. Web site: Knox. David. New BBC Drama channel headed to Foxtel. TV Tonight. 17 April 2013. 3 February 2014.
  3. Web site: Knox. David. BBC First channel to launch on Foxtel in August. TV Tonight. 19 October 2013. 3 February 2014.
  4. Web site: Knox. David. BBC quits 50-year deal with "disappointed" ABC. TV Tonight. 18 April 2013. 3 February 2014.
  5. Web site: Knox. David. BBC dramas "No delay from the UK". TV Tonight. 17 October 2013. 3 February 2014.
  6. Web site: Knox. David. BBC First to launch on August 3rd. TV Tonight. 26 May 2014. 2 July 2014.
  7. Web site: Knox . David . 2 July 2014 . Foxtel channel changes . 2 July 2014 . TV Tonight . When BBC First launches on the Drama & Lifestyle tier on August 3rd it will be available on Channel 214 in standard definition and Channel 117 in HD..
  8. Web site: Knox. David. Fetch TV adds BBC First. TV Tonight. 9 December 2014. 19 December 2014.
  9. Web site: Perry . Kevin . 9 December 2014 . Big Blow for Foxtel as they lose exclusive rights for premium drama channel BBC First . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141219134256/http://nelbie.com/kevmarl/2014/12/8/big-blow-for-foxtel-as-they-loose-exclusive-rights-for-premium-drama-channel-bbc-first . 19 December 2014 . 19 December 2014 . Nelbie.
  10. Web site: 2017-02-14 . Fetch . 2024-06-30 . Facebook.
  11. Web site: Knox . David . 6 June 2024 . BBC First channel to exit Foxtel / Binge . 24 June 2024 . . en-AU . BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC News and CBeebies will leave Foxtel and Binge from 31 July..
  12. Fetch TV and BBC Studios extend their multi-channel partnership . 6 June 2024 . . Sydney . 24 June 2024.
  13. Web site: Ward . Miranda . 6 June 2014 . New Foxtel channel BBC First starts promotional push with campaign from Droga5 . 9 January 2016 . Mumbrella.
  14. News: Banished review – it's the blackfellas who are banished from BBC drama. The Guardian Australia. Paul. Daley. 25 June 2015. 9 January 2016.
  15. Web site: Knox. David. Curtain up on BBC First. TV Tonight. 27 March 2014. 14 May 2014.
  16. Web site: Foxtel. February: 150+ new and returning shows, movies and sport events. 6 February 2015. 6 February 2015.
  17. Web site: The Green Room. Charles. Purcell. New This Week (Feb 1): The 100, Selling Houses Australia, Dickensian, Auckland Nines and live sport . 28 January 2016. 28 January 2016. 28 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160128051020/https://community.foxtel.com.au/t5/Foxtel-Blog/New-This-Week-Feb-1-The-100-Selling-Houses-Australia-Dickensian/bc-p/111552.
  18. Web site: Knox. David. Returning: Episodes. TV Tonight. 14 July 2014. 19 January 2015.
  19. Web site: Knox. David. Returning: Episodes. TV Tonight. 18 August 2015. 12 April 2016.
  20. Web site: You Need To Watch Maggie Gyllenhaal In 'The Honourable Woman'. 12 September 2014. Nic. Holas. Junkee. 9 January 2016.
  21. Web site: Luther season four will screen in February in Australia. news.com.au. 15 December 2015. 9 January 2016. Wenlei. Ma.
  22. Web site: The Green Room. Charles. Purcell. NEW on JAN 4: 40+ new shows including Tiny House Australia, Project Runway and live sport. 2 January 2016. 3 January 2016. 2 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160102232312/http://community.foxtel.com.au/t5/Foxtel-Blog/NEW-on-JAN-4-40-new-shows-including-Tiny-House-Australia-Project/ba-p/107934.
  23. Web site: TV Tonight. David. Knox. Foxtel Upfronts 2016: Local thrillers, Lifestyle & US Drama.. 5 November 2015. 5 November 2015.
  24. Web site: TV Tonight. David. Knox. BBC First channel to launch on Foxtel in August . 19 October 2013. 9 January 2016.
  25. Web site: TV Tonight. David. Knox. Curtain up on BBC First . 27 March 2014. 9 January 2016.
  26. Web site: APRIL on FOXTEL: Game Of Thrones, Mad Men, Wentworth, Deadline Gallipoli and 200+ other new shows. Higgins. D. The Green Room. Foxtel. 30 March 2015. 31 March 2015.

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