Foxtel signs long-term content agreement with BBC Studios

Foxtel has extended its partnership with BBC Studios, with a new long-term agreement that will see the subscription TV platform secure British drama, entertainment, documentaries, natural history, children’s programming and news for both its broadcast and on-demand platforms.

The deal includes the launch of a new channel to Foxtel, BBC Earth, which features stories from experts including Sir David Attenborough. The channel will replace BBC Knowledge.

Delany speaking at the recent new Foxtel experience launch

Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany said the new partnership would include thousands of additional hours of on-demand content to further viewers’ relationship with BBC content.

“We know how much Foxtel customers love the BBC’s fabulous shows and we are incredibly pleased to put in place a new agreement providing a long-term extension to our 24-year relationship.

“For Foxtel, the new agreement is another step in ensuring we are future fit. Our integration of Netflix into the new Foxtel experience dramatically increased on-demand content available through Foxtel.

“This agreement provides a five-fold increase in BBC programming available on demand. It helps ensure we continue to deliver on our promise to provide customers with the best TV and on demand content, all in one place.”

The recent launch of Foxtel’s new user interface saw the subscription TV platform unveil a partnership with Netflix which puts content from the streaming giant on the Foxtel platform, for those with a Netflix subscription, and a new Netflix button on the Foxtel remote.

BBC Studios has also renewed its sales advertising agreement with Foxtel’s sales arm MCN which will see the company represent BBC Studios’ television and on-demand properties for BBC First, BBC UKTV and BBC Earth.

MCN CEO Mark Frain said: “MCN has had a strong and rewarding partnership with BBC Studios for many years, and I am thrilled we will continue to represent this powerhouse of content. BBC Studios collection includes some of the world’s best drama, entertainment and factual programming, providing our advertising partners with premium content opportunities.

“High-quality content, coupled with previously unimagined levels of insight into what viewers engage with, are central to the MCN offering. The new Foxtel experience and BBC Studios’ vast volume of on-demand content, coupled with MCN’s focus on building effective ad models, will allow us to provide new advertising opportunities to brands beyond what the market has ever seen before.”

The Foxtel-BBC agreement also provides first-run territory premiere rights for BBC lifestyle programming for viewing on Foxtel network channels and on demand offerings. BBC content is also available to watch in Australia via the Fetch TV platform, which will also be launching the new BBC Earth channel.

Jon Penn, managing director for BBC Studios said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our successful partnership with Foxtel, bringing Australian viewers the BBC channels and programs they love, and giving them the opportunity to consume them in the way they want to.

“As an added bonus, viewers will be getting a new channel dedicated to the BBC’s premium documentaries, offering some of the greatest natural history series ever produced.”

Jamie Chambers, regional director ANZ for BBC World News and BBC.com, said: “In a world where media diversity and access to a range of viewpoints is more important than ever, as the leaders in global breaking news we are pleased the partnership continues to offer Foxtel’s audiences access to BBC World News’ independent, impartial and trusted journalism.”

The content agreement will see BBC First, BBC UKTV, BBC Earth, BBC CBeebies and BBC World News all available on Foxtel.