BBC Studios extends Foxtel deal with arrival of BBC Earth

Patrick Delany

Australian pay TV operator Foxtel is replacing its BBC Knowledge channel with factual brand BBC Earth and adding a raft of programming to its slate, as part of an extended deal with BBC Studios (BBCS).

The long-term agreement will see BBCS shows, including blue chip natural history series featuring Sir David Attenborough, airing on the new channel while Foxtel will also offer BBCS lifestyle shows via its on demand services.

UK drama and children’s programming will also become available to Foxtel subscribers, with a five-fold increase in the amount of programming available on demand, according to Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany.

He described the deal as “another step in ensuring we are future fit,” following the pay TV provider’s recent deal that saw it integrate Netflix within its service.

BBCS, which has worked with Foxtel for more than two decades, is also launching the BBC Earth channel via Aussie OTT service Fetch TV.