BBC First (Australian TV channel)

Last updated

BBC First
BBC First 2022.svg
Logo used since 2022
Broadcast areaAustralia
Programming
Picture format 576i (16:9 SDTV)
1080i (16:9 HDTV)
Ownership
Owner BBC Studios
Sister channels
History
Launched3 August 2014;9 years ago (2014-08-03)
Closed31 July 2024;15 days' time (2024-07-31)
Links
Website http://www.bbcaustralia.com/channels/first/
Availability
Streaming media
Foxtel Go Channel 117
Fetch Mobi Channel 114
Binge binge.com.au

BBC First is an entertainment subscription television channel broadcasting in Australia. It is the localised version of the internationally available BBC First. The channel is wholly owned and operated by BBC Studios. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

History

On 17 April 2013, it was announced that the BBC had forged a new exclusive deal with Australian subscription television provider Foxtel which would see a new channel launched that would feature comedy and drama content, with programming screening as close to their original UK transmission as possible. [2]

The following day it was announced that this deal resulted in the end of a 50-year-old deal with Australian free-to-air broadcaster ABC which they were not consulted about. [4] Despite the new exclusive deal with Foxtel, it does not affect 'grandfathering' agreements whereby series that are currently broadcasting on other networks are not affected and will remain on their current network. [4] The programming that is shown on the new channel will not air on Australian free-to-air for at least 12 months after its first airing, if ever. [2] [5]

It was later announced the new channel would be named BBC First, a new global brand that would roll out in 2014, with Australia being the first location to launch the new channel. [3] The Australian channel is available in linear format and in high definition, launching on 3 August 2014. [3] [6] [7]

On 1 February 2015, BBC First launched on Australian IPTV service Fetch TV – ending Foxtel's exclusivity. [8] [9]

On 14 February 2017, BBC First was made available in HD for Fetch TV customers. [10]

The channel is set to exit Foxtel and Binge on 31 July 2024. [11] BBC Drama - a new channel - will replace BBC First on Fetch TV. [12]

Programming

The channel targets affluent people aged between 25 and 54 years, with a specific target demographic of women aged 40–54 years. [13]

Original programming

Acquired programming

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BBC UKTV</span> Australian pay television channel

BBC UKTV is an Australian pay television channel in Australia and New Zealand, screening British entertainment programming, sourced mainly from the archives of the BBC, RTL Group and ITV plc. The channel was originally a joint venture with Foxtel, the RTL Group and BBC Worldwide. It is now owned solely by BBC Studios. It is the home of the channel's flagship programme The Graham Norton Show.

NXE Australia Pty Limited, trading as the Foxtel Group, is an Australian pay television company—operating in cable television, direct broadcast satellite television, and IPTV streaming services. It was formed in April 2018, superseding an earlier company from 1995. The service was established as a 50/50 joint venture between News Corporation and Telstra, with News Corp and Telstra holding 65% and 35% ownership shares respectively.

Fox8 is an Australian pay television channel available on Foxtel, and Optus Television's subscription platforms. It is the most watched subscription television channel in Australia. A high definition version of the channel, Fox8HD, was launched on the Foxtel and Austar platforms on 15 November 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SoHo (Australian TV channel)</span> Television channel

SoHo was an Australian pay television channel. Originally launched as FX in 1995 and oriented towards classic programming, it was rebranded as W. and shifted its focus to women's programming on 1 November 2003. Later, on 20 August 2012, it was again rebranded as SoHo and shifted its focus to drama television series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disney Channel (Australian TV channel)</span> Defunct Australian TV channel

Disney Channel was an Australian pay television channel. It was the flagship television property owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company in Australia. Launched in 1996, the network targeted towards children and their families, with original series and movies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BBC Knowledge (international)</span> Former international television channel

BBC Knowledge was a television channel available in various countries outside the United Kingdom, showcasing factual and non-fiction entertainment programming from the BBC and independent UK production houses. Wholly owned by BBC Studios, it is not related to the previous channel known as BBC Knowledge, an early digital channel available within the UK, which closed down in 2002 in favour of BBC Four and CBeebies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nat Geo Wild</span> Global television channel

National Geographic Wild is a global pay television network owned by National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company (73%) and the National Geographic Society (27%). The channel primarily focuses on wildlife and natural history non-fiction programming. It is a sister network to National Geographic TV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Universal TV (Australian TV channel)</span> Australian cable television channel

Universal TV is an Australian cable and satellite television channel, owned and operated by NBCUniversal International Networks. It has been available on most subscription television platforms in Australia since 1998.

Showcase is an Australian premium drama cable and satellite television channel. It was initially part of the Showtime Australia channels and was managed by PMP chief executive officer Peter Rose. In 2007 Rose said Showcase "provides a real home at last for quality drama in Australia, and this list of outstanding event television is just the start". Showcase launched with the Australian TV premieres of Dexter and Australian-made series Satisfaction.

Foxtel Movies is a suite of 11 pay television film channels in Australia which began broadcasting on 1 January 2013. Owned by Foxtel, the channels replaced the now-defunct Movie Network and Showtime suites.

Syfy was an Australian pay television channel dedicated to science fiction and fantasy television shows and movies. The channel was launched on 1 January 2014, replacing SF.

This is a synoptic list of events and premieres which occurred, in 2014 in Australian television, the 59th year of continuous operation of television in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BBC First</span> International television channel owned by the BBC

BBC First is an entertainment subscription television channel featuring comedy, crime, drama and film programming, originating from UK and mostly from the BBC. The channel is wholly owned and operated by BBC Studios. The channel began rolling out internationally in 2014, launching first in Australia. It is supported by extended localised advertising breaks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foxtel Arts</span> Defunct Australian subscription channel

Foxtel Arts was a subscription television arts channel available in Australia on the Foxtel platform.

E! was an Australian and New Zealand pay television channel, owned by NBCUniversal International Networks. Much like its American counterpart it featured entertainment-related programming, reality television and Hollywood news. It was available, at the time of closure, through the Foxtel and FetchTV platforms in Australia. It was available on the Sky platform in New Zealand, from April 2002 until 15 January 2023. It was also available on the Austar service prior to 2012. In 2014, it became available on Australian streaming service Foxtel Play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Style Network (Australian TV channel)</span> Television channel

Style Network was an Australian pay television channel that owned by Universal Networks International. It was a domestic version of the American Style Network, and much like its American counterpart it featured fashion, design, and programming for women.

This is a list of Australian television related events, debuts, finales, and cancellations that are scheduled to occur in 2016, the 61st year of continuous operation of television in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kayo Sports</span> Australian sports streaming service

Kayo Sports is an over-the-top video streaming subscription service available in Australia, owned by Hubbl. The service offers sports live and on demand from Fox Sports, ESPN and Racing.com.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crime (TV channel)</span> Television channel

Crime is an Australian subscription television channel primarily screening crime drama television series. The channel launched on 7 November 2019, replacing TVHits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Binge (streaming service)</span> Australian streaming service owned by Foxtel

Binge is a video streaming subscription service available in Australia, owned by Hubbl. The service offers on demand and live entertainment, lifestyle, reality and movies.

References

  1. ↑ "BBC Worldwide and Foxtel unveil new channel name" (Press release). BBC Worldwide. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Knox, David (17 April 2013). "New BBC Drama channel headed to Foxtel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 Knox, David (19 October 2013). "BBC First channel to launch on Foxtel in August". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  4. 1 2 Knox, David (18 April 2013). "BBC quits 50-year deal with "disappointed" ABC". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  5. ↑ Knox, David (17 October 2013). "BBC dramas "No delay from the UK"". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  6. ↑ Knox, David (26 May 2014). "BBC First to launch on August 3rd". TV Tonight. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  7. ↑ Knox, David (2 July 2014). "Foxtel channel changes". TV Tonight. Retrieved 2 July 2014. When BBC First launches on the Drama & Lifestyle tier on August 3rd it will be available on Channel 214 in standard definition and Channel 117 in HD.
  8. ↑ Knox, David (9 December 2014). "Fetch TV adds BBC First". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  9. ↑ Perry, Kevin (9 December 2014). "Big Blow for Foxtel as they lose exclusive rights for premium drama channel BBC First". Nelbie. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  10. ↑ "Fetch". Facebook. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  11. ↑ Knox, David (6 June 2024). "BBC First channel to exit Foxtel / Binge". TV Tonight . Retrieved 24 June 2024. BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC News and CBeebies will leave Foxtel and Binge from 31 July.
  12. ↑ "Fetch TV and BBC Studios extend their multi-channel partnership" (Press release). Sydney: Fetch TV. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  13. ↑ Ward, Miranda (6 June 2014). "New Foxtel channel BBC First starts promotional push with campaign from Droga5". Mumbrella. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  14. ↑ Daley, Paul (25 June 2015). "Banished review – it's the blackfellas who are banished from BBC drama". The Guardian Australia . Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Knox, David (19 October 2013). "BBC First channel to launch on Foxtel in August". TV Tonight . Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Knox, David (27 March 2014). "Curtain up on BBC First". TV Tonight . Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  17. 1 2 Knox, David (27 March 2014). "Curtain up on BBC First". TV Tonight. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  18. ↑ "February: 150+ new and returning shows, movies and sport events". Foxtel. 6 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  19. ↑ Purcell, Charles (28 January 2016). "New This Week (Feb 1): The 100, Selling Houses Australia, Dickensian, Auckland Nines and live sport". The Green Room. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  20. ↑ Knox, David (14 July 2014). "Returning: Episodes". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  21. ↑ Knox, David (18 August 2015). "Returning: Episodes". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  22. ↑ Holas, Nic (12 September 2014). "You Need To Watch Maggie Gyllenhaal In 'The Honourable Woman'". Junkee. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  23. ↑ Ma, Wenlei (15 December 2015). "Luther season four will screen in February in Australia". news.com.au . Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  24. ↑ Purcell, Charles (2 January 2016). "NEW on JAN 4: 40+ new shows including Tiny House Australia, Project Runway and live sport". The Green Room. Archived from the original on 2 January 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  25. 1 2 Knox, David (5 November 2015). "Foxtel Upfronts 2016: Local thrillers, Lifestyle & US Drama". TV Tonight . Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  26. ↑ Higgins, D (30 March 2015). "APRIL on FOXTEL: Game Of Thrones, Mad Men, Wentworth, Deadline Gallipoli and 200+ other new shows". The Green Room. Foxtel. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.