BBC First to be brand for new Foxtel channel

Tim Burrowes

October 19, 2013 9:21

The BBC’s new first run content channel on Foxtel will be called BBC First, the British-based broadcaster has revealed.

The premium drama and comedy channel will launch next August after BBC Worldwide’s deal with the ABC for first run content expires. In a surprise move, BBC Worldwide pulled the plug on the 50 year old ABC deal in April.

Australia will be the first market where the new BBC brand will be rolled out. It will be part of Foxtel’s drama and lifestyle package.

In a statement BBC Worldwide’s chief executive Tim Davie said: “The BBC has a world-class reputation for drama and this new global brand builds on it.”

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Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.