BBC Worldwide Press Releases

BBC World, the BBC's 24 hour international news and information channel, begins the new year with an impressive increase in its distribution in the US. A long-standing relationship between BBC World and WLIW New York Public Television sees the channel now reaching even more viewers in New York via a new arrangement with channel Thirteen/WNET. Beyond New York, increased demand from public service stations across the US has led to 70 new channels carrying BBC World (in addition to the 134 which already take the service). This means that BBC World news now reaches nearly 90% of all US TV households.

The increase in carriage by public stations comes at a time when BBC World has experienced unprecedented audience demand in the US. This peaked in September and October when stations across the country showed continuous live coverage from BBC World of unfolding global events while positive feedback to the channel from US viewers reached an all time high.

"Public television stations carrying BBC World News are now on the leading edge of television news, providing up to the minute, high quality coverage of international news as it happens around the world." said Terrel Cass, President and General Manager of WLIW New York Public Television.

This significant new development means that New Yorkers gain another opportunity to see BBC World News. Every weekday night from January 1st 2002 at 6pm a half hour BBC World news programme presented by Mishal Husain will bring the latest international news and analysis to households carrying Thirteen/ WNET in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

"BBC World News is widely recognised as a credible and timely source for international news and public affairs," said Paula Kerger, vice president and station manager of Thirteen/ WNET adding, "We are pleased to be able to provide this service to our viewers as part of our on-going commitment to bring the world into view."

"We are delighted with this development for BBC World both for New York audiences and right across America." said Patrick Cross, Managing Director of BBC World. "Our reputation for quality programming and award winning journalism has been in very high demand in the US, particularly in light of recent events. These developments really help us to meet that demand in a key market."

Notes to editors
BBC World is the BBC's 24-hour, English language, international news and information channel, reaching 192 million homes in 200 countries and territories worldwide (90 million 24-hour homes). Launched in its present form in 1995, BBC World is a commercial service, run by BBC Worldwide and funded by advertising and subscription. All details on the website http://www.bbcworld.com

BBC World is available in 90% of US public service television households ie: 200 channels across the US now carry BBC World news bulletins. BBC World news is now the only live international news service available on US broadcast television.

In addition to three BBC World news bulletins per day on WLIW/21 in New York, it is now available on channel Thirteen/WNET from January 1st 2002 each weekday at 6pm. The presenter Mishal Husain joined BBC World in 1998 and became a news presenter in 2001 after spending time as the London anchor of World Business Report. Photos available on request.

WLIW New York is the fourth most watched public television station in the US reaching a weekly cumulative audience of nearly two million households in New York metropolitan area. The station is also a producer and distributor of programmes for the National Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Visit WLIW online at www.wliw.org

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