BBC launches channels in Burma post-India exit

BBC World News, BBC Entertainment, CBeebies and BBC World Service to be available from January 1

One month after exiting from the Indian market, BBC and BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation, today announced the launch of three of its pay TV channels in Burma – BBC World News, BBC Entertainment and CBeebies.

BBC World News is the BBC’s commercially-funded international 24-hour news and information channel. BBC Entertainment showcases British entertainment, drama and comedy; and CBeebies is a channel designed for pre-school children and provides high-quality interactive, entertaining and educational experience.

On October 31, the company had decided to cease the operations of BBC Entertainment and CBeebies in India, saying that it does not make the business sense to operate in the country where they have to pay carriage fees.

BBC will also launch BBC World Service in Asia in English on Forever Group’s pay TV platform in Burma on January 1, 2013.

One of two major private broadcasters in Burma, Forever Group is one of the earliest digital TV broadcasters in the region and broadcasting in DVB-T and DVB-T2. Forever Group is also extending its digital TV network all over the country using the DVB-T2 system.

Mark Whitehead, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BBC Worldwide Channels Asia, said: “I am pleased to be able to announce the launch of the BBC channels in Burma.  We are very pleased to be part of Burma’s growing economy, and excited to be delivering our wide range of highly rated and award-winning programming - from programmes specially designed for pre-schoolers, to the best of UK comedy and drama and high quality international news to new viewers.”

Winn Maw, CEO of Forever Group, commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with BBC Worldwide. High quality content is a key factor in driving our subscription growth, and we are confident that BBC World News, BBC Entertainment and CBeebies, together with BBC World Service radio will make Forever Group’s international line-up even stronger.”