BBC World News has passed the 300 million distribution mark for the first time, adding a further 40 million households over the past 12 months.
Recent deals with Comcast in the US, TV4 in Sweden, ERT in Greece and D life, a major distribution deal with Disney in Japan have taken the channel to 330 million households. Direct distribution and relays are being counted in the figures.
Full-time 24/7 distribution of the channel has also risen from 179 million to more than 200 million households, making it one of the biggest international news channels in the world.
Later this year BBC World News will move to new studios within the iconic Broadcasting House in Central London.
“It has been a breakthrough year for the BBC’s international channel and we are determined to build on it,” said BBC World News commercial director Colin Lawrence. “We have focused on building deeper and stronger relationships with MSOs, as well as creating new partnerships which may build the BBC World News brand footprint in strategic markets.”
Distribution in the US grew by 100% largely as a result of a new deal with US cable provider Comcast. There was also significant growth in former Georgia (101%), Russia (+19%), Kazakhstan (+43%), and Estonia (+85%).
