China’s BesTV to host BBC Earth branded space

BBC Studios is to launch a BBC Earth branded space on BestTV in China, which boasts 46m subscribers across the territory.

BesTV is a Chinese pay-TV service provider placed across 31 cities in China, and a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group.

From 1 April 2019, BesTV subscribers will be able to access premium BBC Earth programmes such as Dynasties, Big Cats and Animals with Cameras.

The partnership follows a previous deal struck between the two companies, which saw BesTV bring CBeebies titles Hey Dugee and Sarah & Duck to the service.

Cheng Xi, president of BesTV, said: “BBC Studios is renowned for producing high quality content across genres and fresh perspectives, all of which our discerning viewers seek. Through this cooperation, we hope to share the incredible wonders of our universe, and bring the magic of BBC Earth documentaries to a larger audience in China.”

Kelvin Yau,  senior VP and GM of Greater China at BBC Studios, added: “We are thankful for the trust in our premium content, and for BesTV – our long-term partner who shares in our vision to inspire, educate and entertain families across the globe. With the success of the CBeebies branded space and Top Gear on BesTV, we hope that the BBC Earth branded space will also be well-received when it launches.”