BBC Worldwide launches Asia SVOD service

BBC Worldwide is launching a multi-genre SVOD platform in Singapore this year, with plans to expand it further in the offing.

BBC Player will offer subscribers of the StarHub TV platform access premium network BBC First and factual entertainment-focused BBC Brit, and select shows from BBC Earth, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies and BBC World News.

The service will also allow streaming and downloads of BBC programming for up to 30 days, and its creation marks the first time Top Gear network BBC Brit has been offered in Asia.

This is the latest OTT play for the BBC’s commercial arm, following news it would look to create an SVOD service in North America, and the launch of digital entertainment hub BBC Store.

BBCWW described the move in Singapore as the “inaugural launch pad” for the new service.

“The BBC has a proud heritage in digital innovation – we led the way with news online, radio online and digital video in the UK. But what really sets us apart is the care we take in curating our world class content for audiences,” said Paul Dempsey, president, global markets at BBCWW.

“I’m delighted that audiences in Singapore, one of the most connected countries in the world with the highest smartphone penetration, will be the first to experience this quality for themselves with the inaugural launch of BBC Player.”

“With  BBC Payer, StarHub TV subscribers will not only be able to access content beyond our linear channels, the service will also offer fans of BBC.com, which has approximately a million unique browsers per month in Singapore, the opportunity to discover even more content across our brands via BBC Player,” said Monty Ghai, senior VP and general manager, south east Asia, BBCWW.

At launch the BBC Player app will be made available via Android and iOS platforms, and online.