BBC Worldwide in largest Taiwan deal

BBC Worldwide claims it has closed its largest-ever programming deal in Taiwan through an agreement with Chunghwa Telecom-backed channel operator ELTA TV.

The deal includes channels, programme sales and VOD platform from the factual, lifestyle, light entertainment, news and current affairs wings of the BBC’s commercial arm.

Following the agreement four BBC-branded channels – BBC World News HD, BBC Knowledge HD, BBC Lifestyle and BBC Entertainment – will launch on Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom-owned ‘MOD’ IPTV platform, with a slate of science and natural history shows coming through a newly-launched SVOD documentary pack service, and drama shows airing on ELTA’s World Channel.

This means series including The Graham Norton Show will run on BBC Entertainment. Top Gear will be on BBC Knowledge, while Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares is set for BBC Lifestyle. BBC World News will offer shows such as Richer World.

On the doc SVOD front, Chunghwa, which runs ELTA channels via on-demand channels, will run shows such as 24 Hours on Earth, Penguins – Spy in the Huddle and Super Smart Animals, while Doctor Who will be on the World Channel.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for ELTA TV as we continue to make our mark in the new media industry here in Taiwan,” said Sally Chen, CEO, ELTA.

“We are proud to now be able to provide the best of BBC’s TV content to viewers in Taiwan through our newly minted partnership with BBC Worldwide.”

“About 20 months ago, BBC Worldwide restructured to enable us to work more seamlessly across BBC’s multiple business lines and offerings, to better serve our regional partners’ needs,” said David Weiland, executive VP, Asia, BBCWW. “This deal is an example of how, we are now better able to deliver our high quality content to viewers through multiple platforms.”