BBC First to launch in Croatia, Slovenia and Macedonia

BBC Studios’ premium drama channel, BBC First, is due to launch in Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia for the first time from April 1, 2019.

BBC First will be available via A1 Telekom Austria Group’s subsidiaries A1 Croatia, A1 Slovenia and one.VIP in Macedonia.

Viewers can tune-in through A1’s pay TV and Xplore TV over-the-top services and programming will be available subtitled in Croatian, Slovenian, and Macedonian from launch.

The move expands BBC First’s footprint in Central and Eastern Europe following its debut in Poland last October.

“British drama has seen a surge in popularity in recent years owing to its original storytelling and outstanding talent on and off screen,” said Salim Mukaddam, vice president and general manager CEE, BBC Studios.

“BBC First is uniquely placed in the market as the destination for viewers seeking out this world-class, yet uniquely British drama series, all in one place. I am looking forward to bringing it to more homes across CEE.”

Gernot Rasch, director of marketing and operations, A1 Telekom Austria Group, said: “We see content and entertainment as a critical element of our multi-screen customer experience and it`s in the core of transforming our offerings from connectivity into personal experiences.

“We are particularly happy and proud to be the first one in our markets to offer our customers BBC First and its exquisite stories and plots.”

BBC First’s content line-up includes shows like Luther, Call the Midwife, Silent Witness, Atlantis, Doctor Who, Ripper street and the BBC’s 2016 TV adaptation of War and Peace.