BBC America refocuses on entertainment as news moves to BBC World

BBC America is refocusing on entertainment with its main news output shifting to the BBC World News Channel as part of a programming shake-up across both of the US cable channels.

The rejig comes as BBC Worldwide America president Herb Scannell, who joined the BBC in mid-2010 and replaced Garth Ancier, outlined plans for two clearly distinguishable BBC channels in the US, one focused on news and the other on entertainment.

“As part of Scannell’s plan for two clearly defined cable channels, BBC America will return to its roots, delivering high quality and innovative programmes throughout primetime,” a BBC statement read.

The flagship BBC World News America nightly news show, fronted by Matt Frei and Katty Kay, will move from BBC America to BBC World News accordingly. The BBC also said that more cash will be invested in the US version of the BBC News website, which gets about 15 million hits a month.