BBCWW inks first Chinese digital deal

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British public broadcaster, has struck its first digital deal in China with online portal sohu.com. This comes as the company launches its first BBC Showcase event in Beijing.

The digital platform will air a raft of drama, kids and factual programming from BBC Worldwide’s library including David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, Planet Earth, The Human Body and Teletubbies.

BBC Worldwide has launched its inaugural programming event in Beijing following similar events in the UK and Brazil. It hopes to make the event an annual affair.

“Our business in China has been established over many years, in partnership with the state broadcaster, China Central Television, and many regional networks. We are proud to take this new step into China’s growing digital sector with Sohu.com,” said Steve Macallister, managing director, sales and distribution, BBC Worldwide.