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MUMBAI:
BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, today announced
the launch of BBC Entertainment and CBeebies - the two long
awaited offerings from BBC Global Channels.
The
two 12-hour channels launch first on Tata-Sky's DTH platform,
with BBC Entertainment on air at 6 pm local time today and the
dual-language CBeebies channel, from 6 am local time.
The official communiqué issued by the network made no
mention however, as to who would be heading the project in India,
for which BBC has instituted a search.
 CBeebies
is a pre-school channel for children aged six years and under.
Broadcasting in both Hindi and English, the channel's programme
schedule consists of the same programming as is seen on the
CBeebies channel in the UK.
Some
of the key properties on the channel include The Roly Mo
Show, Bill and Ben, Tweenies, Tikkabilla, Big Cook Little
Cook and Boogie Beebies.
Speaking
on the children's channel, Christine Leo-McKerrow, senior
vice-president, Global Channels, Asia-Pacific, said, "With
its bright colours, friendly and familiar characters and interactive
content, CBeebies is a dependable environment for children,
and encourages them to learn through play."
She
added, "I am confident the channel will be loved by parents
and carers for its learning values and the trusted stamp of
the BBC brand."
 BBC
Entertainment's drama and thriller programming include shows
like Doctor Who, Waking The Dead, Cutting It, Hotel Babylon,
Silent Witness, Spooks and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
BBC Entertainment also boasts a strong comedy slate with shows
like Extras, My Life In Film and My Family.
Leo-McKerrow
said, "BBC Entertainment promises high quality entertainment
with first class production values. The wealth of outstanding
programming available on the channel will make BBC Entertainment
the channel of choice for discerning Indian audiences who
have a taste for premium quality television."
BBC
Entertainment and CBeebies form part of BBC Worldwide's strategy
for the Global Channels business unveiled by Darren Childs,
managing director, BBC Global Channels, last year.
With
the launch of the new channels, BBC Worldwide's India presence
also straddles an established television sales business, the
joint venture magazine deal with The Times of India Group
and an FM radio license partnership with Mid Day Multimedia
Limited for seven FM radio stations in India's metros.
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