BBC Worldwide today launched BBC Entertainment and CBeebies in Latin America, following a distribution agreement with SKY Mexico. Both channels are now available across SKY's nearly 1.7million homes in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Central America.

 

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, is committed to growing its investment in Latin America. The launch, through SKY Mexico,  marks the first time that these two wholly-owned global channels are available in the region.

 

This deal follows BBC Worldwide's landmark partnership deal with Televisa which was signed in July.

Jessica Rodriguez, VP BBC Worldwide Channels – Latin America and U.S. Hispanic Market, BBC Worldwide Americas remarked: "I'm thrilled to have partnered with SKY on the inaugural launch of CBeebies and BBC Entertainment to such a significant number of homes in this important market.

 

"Our channels reflect what the BBC stands for – quality and original entertainment. I'm sure the channels will enjoy the same popularity in Mexico as they do across the world."

 

Javier Anaya, Director of Programming and Content for SKY commented: "The launch of the new BBC channels will be refreshing to television screens, offering new entertainment options for all subscribers of SKY in Mexico, as well as across Central America and the Dominican Republic. I am positive that the audience will be surprised by the quality of BBC Entertainment and CBeebies' programs, and that pretty soon they will become two of their favorite channels."

 

Fernando Muniz, Director of Sales & Affiliate Relations, Televisa added: "The BBC makes a strong debut with the launch of their channels, BBC Entertainment and CBeebies, on SKY. This is a big step for the BBC in becoming a recognised channel in every household in Mexico."

BBC Entertainment will premiere the best drama, comedy and light entertainment programming from the BBC and other world-class production houses. Modelled on BBC Worldwide's flagship channel BBC AMERICA in the U.S., this channel will offer a witty and refreshing alternative for Latin American viewers. It will be available on Channel 203 through Sky.

CBeebies is a channel designed specifically for Spanish-speaking pre-schoolers and comes from the BBC – a trusted, world-renowned producer of top children's programming. The channel's mix of live action, puppets, animation and story telling provides a unique schedule that emphasizes the social, emotional and personal development of preschoolers.

 

CBeebies is designed to encourage interactivity within a consistently safe and non-violent environment and will be available through Sky on Channel 329.

The launch of BBC Worldwide's channel portfolio in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea and in Australia have bolstered the BBC’s presence across Asia-Pacific while the channels arrival in Poland last year made BBC Worldwide the number one international channel provider in market. The channel portfolio will launch in Africa in September.

 

Sarah Andrews/Christine Black